Baloney and Friends

March 2, 2020
In a mix of short comics and single-spread minicomics, this first in an amiable new graphic novel series from Pizzoli (The Book Hog) introduces early readers to four animal pals and their friendship’s dynamics. The titular Baloney, an eager-looking orange pig, breaks the fourth wall early on: “Hello! I’m Baloney! This is MY book.” But when his friends arrive—Peanut, an excitable blue horse; upbeat yellow bee Bizz; and Krabbit, a grumpy purple rabbit—Baloney is forced to amend his earlier statement: “OKAY, FINE!...This is our book.” Star or no, Baloney is the most fully fleshed out of the group, and subsequent stories explore his emotional reactions against those of his more archetypal companions. In brief stories featuring a magic performance (with a humorous lack of magic), a fear of swimming, and a case of the blues, Baloney’s reactions serve as a proxy for readers’. Pizzoli’s approachable art style communicates emotions and personalities through exaggerated facial expressions that should be clear to readers moving into chapter books. Back matter includes simple instructions for drawing each character. Ages 5–8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

February 1, 2020

Gr 1-3-Like countless lovably naive children's book characters before him, such as Ben Claton's Narwhal and Sam Garton's Otter, Baloney the pig may not always know what's going on, but he approaches every adventure with enthusiasm. His best friend Peanut D. Horse is a stalwart if slightly dim-witted companion, while patient Bizz E. Bee serves as a much-needed voice of reason. Rounding out the quartet is the aptly named Krabbit, the crabby rabbit, who usually chimes in with an eye roll and a huffy "Whatever!" An endearing hero, Baloney will elicit giggles from readers. Putting on a magic show for his pals, Baloney makes a carrot disappear by asking his audience to close their eyes and then gobbling it up. Next, fearful of the wading pool, Baloney makes excuse after excuse, before finally donning goggles, swimmies, and an inner tube. Dialogue is simple yet brims with humor, and the speech bubbles are colored to match the character who is speaking (Baloney's are orange, like him; Peanut's are blue)-a helpful feature for those new to reading comic panels. Set against white backdrops, Pizzoli's cartoons have a spare, childlike style, reminiscent of Mo Willems's "Pigeon" stories. Readers won't want Baloney's adventures to end; fortunately, the book ends with directions on how to draw each of the characters so that fans can create their own stories. VERDICT Baloney and friends are the perfect next step for fans of Gerald and Piggie who are transitioning to chapter books.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2020
A new chapter-book series promises tons of fun for everyone. Baloney the pig couldn't be happier about starring in his very own book--until pals Peanut D. Horse, Bizz E. Bee, and Krabbit (a crabby rabbit) crash the introduction, leaving him frustrated. Baloney perseveres and goes on to star in several, short comic book-style stories that often break the fourth wall and that always rely on the very different personalities of the characters to deliver humor. Peanut is a Pollyanna and just a bit daffy. Bizz is a sensible, thoughtful bee-ing. Krabbit is so crabby he'd give Oscar the Grouch a run for his money. Baloney? Well, Baloney is a sensitive sort who, in two longer episodes, wants to entertain his friends with a magic show and join in their fun at swimming. Shorter "mini-comics" between these sections provide good breaks for new readers who are, perhaps, just starting to make their ways through a longer text like this. Pizolli saves the strongest story for last, delivering a sweet and satisfying portrait of Peanut's kindness to her friend Baloney when he feels blue. And readers needn't feel blue themselves that the story is over since they can follow handy backmatter instructions to draw their own versions of the simple, line-drawn characters. Here's hoping there will be a bunch of Baloney in the future. (Graphic fantasy. 5-8)

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March 15, 2020
Preschool-G Baloney is?if you couldn't guess?a pig, and though he's headlining this book, he's happy to make room for a few friends, including the empathic Peanut (horse), the sensible Bizz (bee), and the grumpy Krabbit (scowling rabbit). Through multiple stories and mini-comics, they tackle magic shows, swimming, stealing cookies, courage, and the cure for sadness (friendship, of course) with a wild exuberance that will draw young readers right in. The breathlessness of the stories is given form in brightly colored, big-eyed characters, who are always either moving or emoting and who exude clear, accessible personalities. Pizzoli has managed to bring his picture-book energy into comics form with a zing, and he's done one better by composing pages of large panels with just one or two word balloons each, making this the rare comic that serves as a fun and easy read-aloud. A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)