School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-With a smiling beak, a book in one hand, and a his stuffed animal in backpack, Tony Baloney-a macaroni penguin-makes an exciting entrance. The plot is simple: Tony and Bob are excited about the "Books and Buddies" evening at their elementary school. According to their teacher, this will be an evening in the Everything Room (altered to look and feel like a campground), and the students should bring a blanket, and favorite stuffed animal or doll. Tony will bring Dandelion (another penguin species), and Bob will bring his turtle Pedro. Difficulty comes with Tony and his sister cleaning up the house while Mom is at playgroup with the babies. Tony and his big sister cannot clean up without arguing, and Momma and Poppa take away the treat of "Books and Buddies." The illustrations are done with digital media, and the bright colors, happy expressions, and realistic family life make this title a winner. Some of the text is a little dense, and there are several pages with speech bubbles that require a little deciphering by new readers. Overall, this is a wonderful new title about a penguin, his pet, and their adventures.-Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
In his third book, penguin Tony Baloney is excited about his school's "Books and Buddies" night, when students bring stuffed animals and listen to stories read by flashlight. But can he manage "to be on Best Behavior all afternoon"? The smaller-size type and longer text recommend this engagingly illustrated book for emerging readers who have gained some confidence on easier fare. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
It's the day of Books and Buddies (the best school event of the year), but can Tony and Big Sister manage to get through the day on their Best Behavior?Of course not, but luckily, they (and readers) learn a lesson along the way. The two start off very well cleaning up the house, but the glitter's their undoing, and there will be no Books and Buddies for the Baloney sibs. An act of revenge on Big Sister's part ultimately brings the kids together, as she kindly helps Tony spiff up Dandelion (his alter ego, umh, stuffed ostrich) after his disastrous diaper-bag trip to the Bothersome Babies' playgroup (just think VERY pink). And because they manage to make up on their own and clean up the glitter mess, Momma and Poppa relent about Books and Buddiesand Dandelion isn't the only stuffed friend who's a bit overfluffed. Fotheringham's macaroni penguins are as delightful as ever, their every facial expression and gesture broadcasting their feelings and personalities. The digital pages are brightened by vibrant splashes of blue, yellow, red and green; and let's not overlook pinkDandelion's makeover is something else, indeed. Ryan proves yet again that she understands young children; Tony's summary of the situation (as told to his stuffed army walruses) is spot-on, as is his understanding of time: "After four hours, or maybe only forty minutes, Dandelion is clean and fluffy."Would that every sibling squabble ended this well. (Early reader. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
