Baloney And Friends

book

2021

WISE
94%

WISE Score

A high-energy graphic novel bridge that turns readers into illustrators with a heavy dose of heart and humor.

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Greg Pizzoli is a pro at this, and Baloney and Friends is a masterclass in how to make a 'beginner' book that doesn't feel babyish. It’s funny, it’s vibrant, and it respects the reader's intelligence while giving them the visual cues they need to build confidence.

The real win here isn't just the reading; it's the invitation to create. By including drawing tutorials at the end, Pizzoli turns the book into a launchpad for a kid's own imagination. It’s exactly the kind of 'gateway drug' to literacy that intentional parents should be looking for.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 6-to-9 window. It's the ideal 'next step' for kids who have memorized every Elephant & Piggie book but aren't quite ready for the denser pages of Dog Man.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Models healthy friendship dynamics, including empathy and managing the 'blues,' without being saccharine or preachy.

Imaginative
95

The inclusion of mini-comics and step-by-step drawing instructions actively invites kids to stop consuming and start creating their own stories.

Safe
100

Completely free of mature themes, violence, or questionable language. It's as safe as a book gets for early elementary readers.

Enriching
90

An excellent bridge for developing literacy. It builds vocabulary and narrative comprehension through the graphic novel format, which is high-value for 'newly independent' readers.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Masterful pacing for kids who are just starting to read on their own but find big blocks of text intimidating.
  • Encourages creativity by literally showing kids how to draw the characters, lowering the barrier to entry for making their own comics.
  • Emotional intelligence is baked in; Peanut the horse provides a great model for how to be a supportive, empathetic friend.
  • High re-readability thanks to the short story/mini-comic structure that doesn't feel like a 'chore' to finish.
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What to Watch For

  • Krabbit is a 'grumpy' character, but it's played for laughs and never crosses into being mean-spirited or toxic.
  • The humor is silly and 'porcine-perfect'—if your kid is looking for high-stakes adventure, this is more of a character-driven sitcom for the 7-year-old set.

Conversation Starters

  • "Which of the four friends do you feel most like today: Baloney, Peanut, Bizz, or Krabbit?"
  • "If you were going to draw a new friend for Baloney, what animal would they be and what's their name?"
  • "Baloney felt nervous about the swimming pool. What's something that made you feel nervous recently, and how did you handle it?"
  • "Why do you think Krabbit is so grumpy? Do you think he secretly likes being part of the group?"

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