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Baloney and Friends #1
Baloney and Friends
Three-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recipient Greg Pizzoli launches a full-color graphic novel series about four funny friends that Dav Pilkey declares "will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories"!
Meet Baloney! He's the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit -- he'd rather not be here, but what can you do?
In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool, and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions!
"A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics."--Booklist
"Kids will gobble up Baloney!"--Ben Clanton, creator of Narwhal and Jelly series
"Porcine-ly-perfect"--Laurie Keller, Geisel Award-winning author of We Are Growing!
Meet Baloney! He's the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit -- he'd rather not be here, but what can you do?
In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool, and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions!
"A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics."--Booklist
"Kids will gobble up Baloney!"--Ben Clanton, creator of Narwhal and Jelly series
"Porcine-ly-perfect"--Laurie Keller, Geisel Award-winning author of We Are Growing!
96 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2020
30 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pizzoli
74 books168 followersGreg Pizzoli is the author and illustrator of The Watermelon Seed, winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Number One Sam, Templeton Gets His Wish, Tricky Vic: The Impossibly True Story of the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower, and coming in April 2016, Good Night Owl. He lives in Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 16, 2023
Cute and quick read. The beginning was a tad boring for me (I’m an adult, not quite the target audience for this book), but it’s cute and while the artwork is simple, it’s not ugly and the personalities of the characters gets across well.
I think little ones would enjoy this one.
3 solid stars.
I think little ones would enjoy this one.
3 solid stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2020
Wonderful intro to these new buds. This will be an instant hit for those who love Elephant and piggie and Narwal and Jelly. I received this book as an E-galley through Netgalley.
March 27, 2021
Exceptional early reader! Funny with wonderful illustrations in a comic format. I love the "How to Draw" pages at the back.
April 26, 2021
"A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics." —Booklist
January 11, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Book Group - Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was smiling from ear to ear throughout the book and I was so fascinated by the hysterical stories including the magic show and the reactions to all of the characters that I could not stop laughing and wanting to read more and more. I also love the drawings and illustrations here in the book that they totally relate to the plot and I could not put the book down. I know our readers will get a kick out of this book and I hope their are more Baloney adventures to share with our young readers.
We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I was smiling from ear to ear throughout the book and I was so fascinated by the hysterical stories including the magic show and the reactions to all of the characters that I could not stop laughing and wanting to read more and more. I also love the drawings and illustrations here in the book that they totally relate to the plot and I could not put the book down. I know our readers will get a kick out of this book and I hope their are more Baloney adventures to share with our young readers.
We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
July 17, 2020
Love Greg Pizzoli and love this new book!
September 23, 2020
This is a cute beginner comic for young readers. In both art style and presentation, it recalls the ELEPHANT & PIGGIE series. A section in the back gives instructions for drawing the simple characters, so kids can create their own comics, which is a nice touch.
Veg*n parents note: While there are no direct references to eating animals, there are character "joke" names such as Baloney (a pig) and Captain Skypork (a superhero alter ego for Baloney the pig). Veg*n parents will have to decide for themselves whether this will be a dealbreaker for this book.
Veg*n parents note: While there are no direct references to eating animals, there are character "joke" names such as Baloney (a pig) and Captain Skypork (a superhero alter ego for Baloney the pig). Veg*n parents will have to decide for themselves whether this will be a dealbreaker for this book.
August 11, 2020
Such a cute, charming beginning graphic novel! I love that Baloney and his friends are pretty easy to draw, and that Pizzoli includes drawing instructions for all four characters in the back. Stylistically this reminded me of Elephant and Piggie, which I also love. Great, funny short stories. The colored word bubbles that match the color of the speaking character will be a great help to readers who are new to comic book reading. Just a great addition to our library collection!
April 22, 2020
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June 4, 2020Everything Pizzoli creates is pure gold.
May 2, 2021
So cute. After a while, though, I had a hard time looking at the illustration of Baloney as a pig...he began to look like an orange capsule with a round pig snout off to the side.
July 1, 2020
My younger students will love this! We need more graphic novels without violence and difficult words to introduce graphic novels to our younger children. I love the friendship that is shown in this book. Thanks, Greg!
August 17, 2020
One of those cute "I graduated from Elephant and Piggy" transitional series. I would recommend Narwhal and Jelly over this, but would recommend this to readers who are waiting on the next Narwhal book (like me!)
July 10, 2020
Not every vinette worked as well as the first, but I would read a second installment.
July 21, 2020
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Disney Book Group through NetGalley.
Baloney and his three friends have several adventures in this first book of a new series. The humor will appeal to mid-elementary students. The simple to follow text and brightly colored illustrations put the emphasis on friendship and fun. This is a next step book for those who love Willem's Elephant & Piggie series. This pig, horse, bee and rabbit entertain us for years. Looking forward to more in the series.
I received an electronic ARC from Disney Book Group through NetGalley.
Baloney and his three friends have several adventures in this first book of a new series. The humor will appeal to mid-elementary students. The simple to follow text and brightly colored illustrations put the emphasis on friendship and fun. This is a next step book for those who love Willem's Elephant & Piggie series. This pig, horse, bee and rabbit entertain us for years. Looking forward to more in the series.
May 8, 2021
Meet Baloney! Baloney is a pig. Who is a little bit afraid of swimming, sometimes feels sad, and LOVES to do magic tricks. Also -- friends! Peanut the horse, Bizz the bee, and Krabbit the rabbit. The friends all have wonderfully unique personalities that create a lovely balance. I think this is a great addition to early elementary graphic novel collections.
June 25, 2020
Cute but a bit lacking in substance. But Pizzoli has set the bar pretty high for himself, so I may have higher expectations for his books...
May 21, 2022
Meet Baloney the pig and join him in his adventures along with his friends Peanut the Horse, Bizz the bumblebee, and Krabbit the rabbit (who would rather be elsewhere). Baloney and his friends have a ton of silly fun in these three short stories and three mini-comics. The friends cheer for each other, have fun together, and help each other out. It's a delightful book about friendship with silly humor that will make early readers smile.
Personally, I found these characters very similar to the humor and friendship antics of Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems. Kids will most definitely laugh at some of the obvious situations the characters present, especially at the magic show. I loved that the book included drawing instructions at the end.
Personally, I found these characters very similar to the humor and friendship antics of Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems. Kids will most definitely laugh at some of the obvious situations the characters present, especially at the magic show. I loved that the book included drawing instructions at the end.
September 22, 2021
Easy reader meets graphic novel in this funny series. I recommend it for kids who loved Elephant & Piggie and are ready for something a little more advanced. It will also work for older readers or as a read-aloud for younger kids. If you want more of the graphic novel format, try Peanut Butter and Jelly.
August 28, 2023
This is a perfect first graphic novel for early readers. “Baloney and Friends” is a wonderful addition to my classroom library because it makes graphic novels accessible to some of my lower readers who are still developing reading stamina and sight word automaticity.
As an adult reader, I thought Baloney’s character was more ambiguous than the other defined personalities of Bizz, Peanut, and Krabbit. The stories were nothing exhilarating but I think that kids will enjoy them. I personally wished the characters had a wider range of visual emotion depicted, as this would have increased the quality of the stories in my eyes.
As an adult reader, I thought Baloney’s character was more ambiguous than the other defined personalities of Bizz, Peanut, and Krabbit. The stories were nothing exhilarating but I think that kids will enjoy them. I personally wished the characters had a wider range of visual emotion depicted, as this would have increased the quality of the stories in my eyes.
May 11, 2020
Regardless of your age, laughter can lift you up. It can take an upside-down day, turning it right side up. If you can share this laughter, the happiness it creates escalates. Presently, it's a bit difficult to spread this form of joy with anyone other than those with whom you are sheltering or virtually, BUT . . .
When you think of authors and illustrators who make books filled with playful plots and comical characters, let us imagine they are there with us when we open the covers of their books. As we laugh at their stories, it is as if they are laughing with us. With this way of thinking, laughter is always shared. Two April releases, graphic novels for younger readers (and readers young at heart), are welcome bursts of friendship and fun.
In the first title, Baloney And Friends (Disney Hyperion, April 14, 2020) written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, a crew of companions exhibit distinctive personalities. It's their differences that make them dynamic. None of them are without imperfections but together they form a flawless friendship.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
When you think of authors and illustrators who make books filled with playful plots and comical characters, let us imagine they are there with us when we open the covers of their books. As we laugh at their stories, it is as if they are laughing with us. With this way of thinking, laughter is always shared. Two April releases, graphic novels for younger readers (and readers young at heart), are welcome bursts of friendship and fun.
In the first title, Baloney And Friends (Disney Hyperion, April 14, 2020) written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, a crew of companions exhibit distinctive personalities. It's their differences that make them dynamic. None of them are without imperfections but together they form a flawless friendship.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
July 9, 2020
I think students getting into graphic novels will find this graphic novel hilarious. It is definitely 1, 2nd and 3rd grade level humor! (ex. Wanna see this carrot disappear? Then he eats it.) Introducing the 4 characters was funny in itself. The how to draw the 4 characters at the end was great. I have so many students who love that part of it.
I loved the idea of rereading it at the end of the book.
The grouchy rabbits name is Krabbit. The rabbit is very " crabby " in his attitude. Even in the drawing part it says, "Make him grumpy."
I loved the idea of rereading it at the end of the book.
The grouchy rabbits name is Krabbit. The rabbit is very " crabby " in his attitude. Even in the drawing part it says, "Make him grumpy."
February 15, 2020
Some assistance with some words might be needed (ex: buyoant) but overall easy to read. An Elephant & Piggie/ Narwhal & Jellyfish like stories. Adults might get a few jokes kids might miss, but very kid-aimed for humor, style and characters. Modern sensibilities that can boarder on crude/lowbrow. Most kids K (high) to 3 (low) grades will like. The story/chapter breaks allow for natural pauses so does not need to be read all at once.
June 23, 2020
Baloney and Friends is an interesting read, but one I predict my students at school will love. It is endearing in the fact that it has video games, friends, is a graphic novel, contains mini-lessons on how to draw the characters and simple text--which will create an automatic interest for many youngsters. It is funny and has great illustrations as well. I will definitely be recommending this book to my students when we return in the fall.
June 29, 2020
Baloney the pig can do magic! Well....sort of...not really. But, he and his four silly friends will get those beginning readers giggling in Baloney and Friends, by Greg Pizzoli! This lively book is geared toward early readers transitioning into chapter books with short chapters that can be read in stand alone sessions. An easy lesson in in the back of the book will teach readers how to draw the characters. For ages 5 -8.
September 9, 2020
Hilarious and cute and sweet and fun, the perfect graphic novel for younger kids by a Geisel-award-winning writer who knows how to write for beginning readers. It's just so fun. Including the drawing instructions is a great move, along with the side-comment about how graphic novels take a long time to make, despite demands to have more NOW. Hopefully this will help kids with the wait.
I am still laughing over the comedic timing of "And I'm Peanut!" on page 9. Master stroke.
I am still laughing over the comedic timing of "And I'm Peanut!" on page 9. Master stroke.
July 28, 2021
Short stories that star Baloney and his friends: Peanut, Bizz and Krabbit (a very grumpy rabbit.) First, Baloney shows off some interesting magic tricks, like making a carrot disappear and turning ice to water. 😁 The second story, Big Splash is about finding the courage to jump in. And the third story, Feeling Blue, is about understanding feels.
Cute! There is also a section in the back to teach the reader how to draw the different characters.
Cute! There is also a section in the back to teach the reader how to draw the different characters.
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July 5, 2020Hand this to fans of Elephant and Piggie who are ready for a longer story and readers of Narwhal and Jelly. Baloney and his cast of friends are full of personality in this short graphic novel chapter book. I find it a little disturbing that the protagonist is a pig named Baloney, but THAT ASIDE, I really enjoyed these characters and the simple, humorous stories. I hope for more Baloney!
October 31, 2020
Great intro to some new characters who I hope will appear in future books. Readers who like Elephant and Piggie will enjoy these graphic cartoon creatures who made me smile throughout. A bonus is the section at the end showing readers how to draw the characters of Baloney, Peanut, BIzz and Krabbit.
December 14, 2020
As other readers have previously stated, this a good book to read if you're a fan of Mo Willem's Elephant & Piggie. It's longer than E & P and is set up as an easy graphic novel. It's about friendship that has meaning and silliness interwoven in the short stories. I am looking forward to more Baloney and Friends adventures.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews