Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli should find a cozy place on the shelves of your local bookstore right next to series like Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems or Narwhal & Jellyfish by Ben Clanton.
The stories are simple, Baloney is featured in his book along with his friends Peanut the horse, Bizz the bumblebee and Krabbit a crabby rabbit. Each story is a stand-alone chapter, but everything is tied together at the same time. There are two mini comics as well in this for the young reader graphic novel (ages 5 to young 8/grades kindergarten to second grade). There is “boy humor” without being “gross” and there are puns, silliness and friendship.
However, even though it is meant for an earlier reader some assistance with some some words might be needed (example: buoyant) but overall it is easy to read. The adult reader might get a few jokes that the kids might miss, but it is very kid-aimed for humor, style and characters. There are modern sensibilities that can boarder on crude/lowbrow but again not “gross.” The best part of the story is that each story or chapter creates a nature break allowing for pauses. Therefore, the book does not need to be read all at once.
This book series will be an acquired taste. Some people will eat it up, but like Elephant and Piggie or Narwhal and Jelly some will not be fans due to the tone of the book. I will admit, Baloney’s attitude was a bit annoying sometimes. Know your audience, in other words.