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Baz & Benz

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'Benz, are we friends?'
'Yes, Baz, we are best friends'
'For how long?'
'For ever and ever.'

But what do you do when your best friend is... kind of annoying?

A delightfully funny and warm-hearted story about a little owl exploring the boundaries of love and friendship from the creator of I Just Ate My Friend.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Heidi McKinnon

13 books25 followers

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5 stars
40 (28%)
4 stars
48 (34%)
3 stars
40 (28%)
2 stars
10 (7%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
203 reviews22 followers
March 4, 2019
Review can also be found at https://littlebigreads.com/2019/03/04...

The minute I opened Baz & Benz and began to read, I felt joy and a whole lot of love for this story about friendship. Baz & Benz are a big and small owl, Baz is blue and Benz is green. Baz asks Benz would they still be the best of friends if he was purple with spots, a scary bat, or was to make annoying sounds? Benz being the wonderful friend that he is makes sure Baz knows that no matter what colour he is, or how annoying he may be, that he is loved for just being himself and they would always be friends.

The book is well layered and has been cleverly written with confidence, simplicity, and imagination. It is one of those stories that children will keep coming back to because it spreads warmth and happy feelings. The words flow naturally and while in some ways the book is whimsical, it also encapsulates a moving tone.

Heidi uses space and colour well in her books, and I particularly love her ability keep the illustrations simple yet somehow fill every inch of the page. The use of different fonts throughout the book in no way affect the ability of a small child to read the words because the text is a good size and spaced out well for a new reader.

This book is perfect for a variety of age groups, toddlers through to school age children because of the few words on each page and the storyline which appeals to a variety of ages.

Simply, I love this book and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Rhyllis Bignell.
311 reviews18 followers
April 25, 2019
Heidi McKinnon's Baz and Benz is a simple tale of friendship, with young Baz testing the boundaries.

Simple text expressed by McKinnon's unique style of colourful illustration, another fun read-aloud from the creator of I Just ate my Friend.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books237 followers
May 13, 2021
This is one of those types of books, which fits perfectly to a read in a comfy chair and guarantees, at least, a snuggle or cuddle or two.

Baz and Benz are best friends, but when the one wonders if it will always be that way, things start to get a bit silly. The back and forth between the two is very simple...great for even the youngest listeners...and packs tons of emotion. At first, I thought the illustrations were a bit simple in so far that they don't offer a lot outside of Baz and Benz each sitting in a tree, but as the tale goes on, it becomes clear that this can't be done any other way without ruining the focus. In other words, the illustrations fit masterfully in with the text.

This is a tale with tons and tons of heart, which makes it clear just how important, patient, and enduring true friendship is. It's the type of relationship, which makes all the difference in life, and one kids truly need to believe in and have. But this isn't a completely serious read...because what kid really wants that? Baz and Benz tease each other and pull a few funny stunts, which are sure to tug a smirk, a giggle, and even a laugh. Wrap the entire thing up with the fuzzy, warm message at the end, and it's a perfect read-aloud, which leaves more than a smile behind.
Profile Image for LucyLocket.
20 reviews
April 2, 2023
A gentle sweet simple read-out loud for preschoolers.

The illustrations are eye catching, clear and bold. The story is simple and silly. I love reassuring books like this for preschoolers. They have an element of drama but always a warm resolution which children seem to really enjoy.

I have these sorts of gentle books tucked away for when my preschoolers are restless and in need a reassuring not too heightened story.

This one appeals every time. Especially the funny little bonus ‘Meep’ it makes them laugh.

Just enough drama to hold attention and for the children to feel invested in the characters and then the warm safe resolve.

There is a lovely sense of trust and safety in their adult in the book. The bigger owl is looking after them and loves them - no matter what.
Profile Image for Donna.
283 reviews88 followers
September 1, 2019
Yes, we all have *that* friend. The one that pushes the boundaries as to what is acceptable and tolerable behaviour ... then crosses the line ... meet Baz. Benz really does love Baz' irreverent style of shenanigans. Beautiful and bright illustrations for a hilarious and heartwarming read. Will appeal to fans of Jon Klassen
Profile Image for Jennie.
1,354 reviews
January 16, 2020
A nice story about friendship with two owls as the main characters. Baz is unsure if friendship transcends surface matters such as appearance and behaviour and Benz provides the ongoing reassurance. Solid use of colour with with the two birds situated on a tree branch through the changing light of night into day.
Profile Image for Alessandra.
322 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2024
The owls in this book are cute. We’ve been using it so read with on the potty while we potty train & it didn’t keep my little one entertained as far as reading & interested but he enjoyed smacking me with it & laughing & enjoyed pointing to everything & watching when I interacted it. Probably will read again , probably won’t, depends on his mood.
Profile Image for Freddie D.
898 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2020
I do enjoy Heidi McKinnon's quirky illustrations and slightly dark sense of humour. Although I didn't love this one as much as her other books, it's a sweet interpretation of unconditional love among friends. And it's always fun to say "meep, meep, MEEP!"
Profile Image for Amy.
971 reviews
March 13, 2024
Simple, cute and loving! Baz and Benz are the best of friends forever and ever, even if Baz turns colors, gets spots or is annoying. Benz loves Baz through & through, but tells Baz to knock off the annoying behavior. Comforting bedtime read.
Profile Image for Dimity Powell.
Author 35 books91 followers
February 14, 2019
Beguiling illustrations with that big-eyed boo fun that kids will soak up. Text colour matches Baz's changing moods and guises making for a cute story that imbues the true quality of friendship.
Profile Image for Anthony.
91 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2020
Love your friends. Even if they annoy you sometimes...
Profile Image for Laine.
702 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2021
i can see this being a really fun one to read in storytime!
Profile Image for Shane.
1,349 reviews21 followers
February 23, 2021
I love McKinnon's vibrant illustrations. They are funny in & of themselves. This is a mildly funny book, with a lovely message about loving people for who they are.
Profile Image for Elizabeth .
630 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2021
One word: AWWWWWW!

Okay, more than one word: this book is adorable and so, so sweet! I'd love to see a collection of these books so I can read more about these loveable owls.
Profile Image for Brittany Dean.
153 reviews
December 7, 2023
Super cute book about owls who are friends. One owl ask the other if he would still be his friend if “xyz” happened. The other owl reply is aways the same.

Meep!
Profile Image for “mrs. darcy”.
50 reviews
January 13, 2024
Riveted from start to end. I strive to have a friendship as secure as Baz and Benz’s 🙏🫶💪
Profile Image for Jalapeño  Hal.
8 reviews
May 5, 2025
I liked it well enough but then I learned it was by big Christian chicken and now liking it feels weird.
Profile Image for Ellie.
23 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2022
damn, mein mental health Kinderbuch für nach ✨anstrengenden✨ Kunden ist vergriffen :(
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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