2 Level 1 TOON BOOKS: Frank Viva & Claude Ponti

270. A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse by Frank Viva (CDN)
Toon Books (Level 1)

Rating: (4/5)

(US) - (Canada) - (UK)

Sep 25, 2012, Toon Books, 32 pgs

Age: 4+

"There’s so much to see at the bottom of the world! Join a young explorer and his best friend, Mouse, on a sea journey to Antarctica, where they make new friends with penguins and a whale – and have all kinds of fun"

Borrowed a copy through Inter-Library Loan.

This is a unique variation on the "Can we go home now?" theme.  Mouse and his owner (perhaps) which I can't tell if it is a boy or man, but it doesn't matter, are on a small steam ship voyage to the Antarctic.  Mouse is constantly asking the proverbial question while the "boy" engages his attention with what they are experiencing and activating his imagination until finally at last it is time to go home then the question turns into "Are we there yet?".  Cute story and I find the simple stylized illustrations of Canadian artist Frank Viva quite compelling. I'm tempted to check out his other couple of picture books to appreciate his style better.

271. Chick & Chickie Play All Day by Claude Ponti
Toon Books (Level 1)

Rating: (5/5)

(US) - (Canada) - (UK)

Feb 14, 2012, Toon Books, 36 pgs

Age: 4+

"Chick and Chickie love to play in their very own way, whether scaring each other silly or tickling the letter A. As young readers eagerly turn the pages of the story, they'll look forward to spotting all the witty side jokes and hilarious details. "

Borrowed a copy through Inter-Library Loan.

Chick & Chickie tickled my funny bone.  I have to admit that I laughed out loud at the opening sequence of the two playing masks and scaring the living daylights out of each other.  Next they decide to play with the letter "A' ; they have a ton of fun with him and his response is always "Ahhh".  Very cute and humorous! The art is cute and cartoonish; my only regret is when they scared the letter "A" that they didn't bring back the masks tying the two sections together.  Really a silly story that is sure to delight young children.  It ends with the suggestion of playing with the letter "B" tomorrow and thus opening up a whole alphabetical series!