I'm the Best
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Holiday House, 1991

The critical success of Tondo was immediately echoed in Hillenbrand's second picture book, I'm the Best, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, also published in 1991. Here the story’s venue was the American family, from a dog's point of view.

Research for this story meant a trip to the dog pound and a brief experience as a dog owner, cut short by an unsympathetic landlord.

It was long enough, however, to serve as introduction to the vagaries of puppy behavior. The adventure gave Will an appreciation of canine personality which he captured in exuberant artwork for the story. Amid an everyday setting of house slippers and braided rugs, the dog Dudley romps through family scenes trying to settle into his new home.

Will created textures that feel comfortable - casual clothing, a rumpled bed, a shag rug -- and used dense muted colors that feel cozy. By the end of the story Dudley's anxious energy has subsided into contentment within this comfortable environment and he is home. It is a far different world from Tondo, which is passingly remembered in the benign character modeled after Vera Aardema and in the house's small decorative pieces that recall her African tales.

Reviews

From Horn Book: An appealing ragamuffin dog goes from one home and owner to another, acquiring different names along the way. Children will like the happy ending in which Sparky-Fluffy-Mopsy-Cedric-Dudley-Fritz finds a family who will love him forever. Hillenbrand's stylized paintings of the scruffy dog and its owners are as appealing as the heart-warming story. -- Copyright © 1991 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.