I was recently asked to read and review three books in a new series called TOON Books. These books are stories in comic book form for young readers. The series advisor is Art Spiegelman, author of the well-regarded Maus graphic novels. Each of the books is recommended for children ages four and up and children in kindergarten through second or third grade. I love this idea of introducing children to the comic book/graphic novel form and enjoyed each of the books. I highly recommend them for the intended age groups.
Jack and the Box, by Art Spiegelman
This is a cute little story about Jack and a silly toy named Zack his parents give him. It’s billed as “a first comic for brand-new readers.” This book would likely play well to toddlers and early readers who will get a kick out of the silly story and the fun illustrations.
Buy Jack and the Box
Stinky, by Eleanor Davis
This was my favorite of the TOON Books I read. It’s the story of Stinky, a Shrek-like creature who lives in a swamp and hates kids because they take baths and eat fruit. When Nick starts building a tree house in the swamp, Stinky takes drastic measures to scare Nick away – without much success. This one is in the form of “chapters” and seems to be geared toward older elementary-school aged children. The illustrations are great and the story is fun and moral (without being preachy).
Buy Stinky
Mo and Jo: Fighting Together Forever, by Dean Haspiel & Jay Lynch
Mo and Jo is the story of Mona and Joey, a brother and sister who love the same superhero, Mojo, but who can’t seem to get along. When Mojo retires and gives the siblings his suit and powers, they have to learn how to work together. This book, too, was in chapters. I felt that this one was a little more preachy than the others, but I think it would work for the intended demographic – kids.
Buy Mo and Jo: Fighting Together Forever
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Cute books! Love how colorful the book looks. My kids and I are always looking for great books to read together…. tonight we finished the last of our two book series by Lance Waite, “A Day With My Dad,” and “A Day With My Dad At the Beach.” I think we will give these two books a try next.
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