It’s already apparent that our kids love comic books. Most of the comic books out there, however, although they boast characters the kids love (mainly because their Daddy does), are way past their age and maturity level. There had to be a simpler comic book sub-genre with more whimsical and lovable characters for the younger set, as well as less complicated storylines and verbal interchanges. Toon Books fits that bill.

I knew right away after eyeing Toon Books’ spot on the web that I wanted to explore their titles with the kids.  Toon Books takes quality seriously, even for the little folk.  The craftsmanship of the books themselves, the artwork variance, the truly engaging plots for little ears….all of these come together into one fantastic introductory comic book series for children as young as the age of four.  Sharpened and hewn by educators, these comic books are the first on the scene in regards to comic-style books for emerging young readers.  So much thought, planning, and history has gone into the formation of the Toon Books titles.  For more detail into Toon Book’s history and philosophy, click here.

The kind people at Toon Books sent over three titles for us to enjoy, and enjoy we did! These have become “coffee table” and “end table” books around here!

Otto’s Orange Day by Frank Cammuso & Jay Lynch is by far G’s favorite. He loves the modern art-type illustration style, as well as the humorous storyline. As the parent, I enjoy the subtle moral beneath the tale: “Be careful what you wish for.”

Benny and Penny in Just Pretend by Geoffrey Hayes is a frolicking tale about a little boy bunny who desperately wants to be alone and play pirate, but his little sister just won’t leave him alone for a second! He tries everything to dissuade her, distract her, and ultimately lose her so he can play uninterrupted….but in the end, has a change of heart. This one will hit close to home for any two-child family! (This title, as well as the Otto title above, both reside on the Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth.)

Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenstiehl is one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Children’s Picture Books of 2008, and it’s no surprise why this is so. The simple watercolor depictions of curious little Lilly as she explores her favorite parts of each season (apples in the fall, the park in the springtime) are nothing flashy….but they possess a simplicity of yesteryear, almost reminding me of Orphan Annie treasures from long ago. Perfect for older toddlers, this book presents seasons, shapes, colors, and more, yet disguises the “learning” behind its fun-loving story. This book is the favorite of our 2-1/2-year-old.

You can buy Toon Books wherever fine books or sold, as well as on Amazon.

Win it!  Toon Books has graciously offered TWO of you the chance to win a copy of their most popular book at the moment, Stinky by Eleanor Davis, which recently won the Theodor Seuss Geisel award from the ALA. All you need to do is head over to Toon Books’ site, look around a bit, then come back here and tell me something you learned about their products or philosophy OR which book you think your kids would enjoy most. I’ll close the contest next Sunday, March 29th, 2009 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!