Tony Baloney Yo Ho Ho, Halloween!

August 1, 2016
With the school Halloween parade approaching, macaroni penguin Tony Baloney opts to purchase a pirate costume from a store, rather than make a homemade one with his family. Over four brisk chapters, Tony’s enthusiasm gets the best of him, and the components of his costume are soon tattered, in pieces, or missing. “The trash truck ran over the hook because it was left in the street by someone completely irresponsible, or maybe me,” a dejected Tony explains to his stuffed buddy, Dandelion. Luckily, Tony’s family responds to his predicament with crafty ideas instead of reprimands. Like Tony’s previous early readers, this one nimbly bridges picture book and chapter book territory, as Fotheringham’s vivid digital artwork and Ryan’s knowing dialogue gently illustrate Tony’s realization that a pirate’s life is far better with a trustworthy crew at your side. Ages 5–7. Author’s agent: Kendra Marcus, Bookstop Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Pat Hackett, Pat Hackett Artist Representatives.

Ryan and Fotheringham once again nail the early-elementary mindset, this time looking at Halloween costumes through Tony Baloney's eyes.This year, the macaroni penguin wants to stand out at the school's Halloween parade, rather than wearing a hand-me-down costume or matching the Bothersome Babies Baloney, so he uses all his savings to purchase an epic pre-made pirate costume. He loves it so much that "he wears it a few minutes a day, or every second of all weekend," despite his family's warnings. And sure enough....The pants rip while playing soccer, the hat he left out gets used as a sled by the Bothersome Babies, the sword is confiscated at school, he leaves the eye patch and the parrot (whom stuffed-animal Dandelion wants to marry) at the dentist's, and the hook gets run over by the garbage truck. When he tells his family, he expects a well-deserved "I told you so," but instead he gets a parley and a rallying. Each family member contributes items for a new pirate costume; even Dandelion has a part to play. And Tony definitely stands out. Fotheringham's digital vignettes and double-page spreads are filled with bold primary colors against white backgrounds, making it easy for newly independent readers to handle the text. It is oh-so-easy for readers to get caught up in both Tony's infectious excitement and his terrible woes; this should be necessary reading before making costume decisions. (Early reader. 5-8) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

K-Gr 2-Ryan continues her early reader series about a lovable penguin. Tony Baloney, a macaroni penguin, has saved up all of his money to buy the fancy pirate Halloween costume that he has had his eye on. His crafty penguin family are miffed that he eschews their annual tradition of making their own costumes; however, Tony has had it up to here with his bossy big sister and his bothersome baby siblings! Unfortunately, Tony also flaunts tradition when he wears his costume to school before Halloween. He suffers the consequences of breaking the rules when his teacher confiscates his costume. Luckily, his parents and siblings come to the rescue by crafting an even fancier and more creative costume just in time. VERDICT This title might be a bit of a challenge for new readers, because of the busy conversations, but they will enjoy the wonderful illustrations and the expressive dynamic of the Baloney family.-Maria Alegre, The Dalton School, New York City

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.