Jay Lynch (1945–2017)

I think it's amazing how Dean Haspiel's work - which can be so hardcore and down-to-earth for his "tuff" superhero work - can work so well on this young-readers book.

The story itself is cute and simple enough - siblings get a surprise visit from their superhero idol who decides to retire and let them be heroes in his stead. The moral of the tale (this is a young reader book after all) is that only by putting aside their sibling rivalry can they become true heroes. By working together instead show more of arguing, they can truly be a force to reckon with. :)

It's simple, it's cute, and I think it works. I haven't tried it on my kids yet but I will find out what they think :) show less

One of the new Toon books particularly caught my eye, since I just got a new copy of Else Homelund Minarik's classic No Fighting, No Biting!

These are both focused on sibling rivalry. In the Toon story, Mo and Jo are suddenly gifted with their favorite fighting hero's super powers - but until they work together, they can't accomplish anything. In Minarik's classic I Can Read story, two old-fashioned children squabble until their older sister tells them a series of stories about two show more quarrelsome little crocodiles.

The artwork in Mo and Jo is more appealing, with its sharp cartoons and easy to follow panels. Maurice Sendak's illustrations for No Fighting are sparse but lively, although the old-fashioned dress and setting of the children may turn off some readers.

However, Minarik's story is highly superior to Haspiel and Lynch's Toon book. Mo and Jo fight pointlessly and continuously until the evil lizard's taunt makes them realize they must work together to defeat him. This sudden change of heart is unbelievable and the general storyline - the mailman suddenly turns out to be a superhero, gives his powerful costume to two infantile children, and their big "save the world moment" is saving a hippo balloon in a parade.

In Minarik's stories-within-the-story, the baby crocodiles work together grudgingly when they must, but it's a learning experience all around - they don't always get along, but they don't always fight either. The two children don't immediately learn their lesson and become models of deportment - they're still squeezing (but not fighting or biting!) when the stories end.

Verdict: Although more children may be attracted to the modern art of Mo and Jo, Minarik's stories will prove more satisfying in the end. I recommend both.

Mo and Jo
ISBN: 978-0979923852; Published September 2008 by Toon books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

No fighting No biting
ISBN:978-0808526605; Published 1958 by HarperCollins (various editions still in print); Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Purchased for my personal collection show less

Otto's Orange Day is a children's graphic novel written Frank Cammuso and Jay Lynch, who was in charge of the visually stimulating art. It tells the classic tale of, be careful what you wish for. Otto is given a magical lamp containing a genie, from his aunt. As soon as the genie pops out, Otto wishes for everything to be orange. Sure enough, Otto steps outside and is amazed to see that he received exactly what he wished for. At first he is loving the idea of having everything being his show more favorite color but then things become dangerous when no one is stopping at at the street lights and him having to eat an orange pork chop. Otto realizes that the world needs color so he tries to change it back but the genie informs him that he had only on wish and he has already used it. Otto recruits his aunt to come help him out and with the help from a bribe, the genie agrees to help put the world back to way it was. show less

Mona and Joey are brother and sister. They both love the super hero Mojo. He surprises them by revealing himself and asking them to take over for him so he can retire. WIth Saw Jaw threatening to ruin the parade Mona and Joey have to stop fighting with each other to work together. They defeat Saw Jaw and save the day.

A great lesson for kids is learned by working together to solve problems. Great for siblings who are always fighting (like my brother and I did). Also, I love the Toon Book show more comics! They are the perfect level for beginner comic book readers. Before Garfield, try these! show less