Benny and Penny in Lost and Found!
(Toon Books Level 2)

K-Gr 2--In their newest adventure, Penny finds her brother Benny sulking on the front stoop. Benny has lost his favorite hat and has been kicked outside by their mother for being in such a bad mood. Angry at his mother and his misplaced hat, Benny decides to run away from home and try to find his missing hat, with Penny's assistance. Benny insists on leading the way because he's older, but soon gets lost himself; only after Benny calms down can he and Penny find their way back. The text is easily accessible to emerging readers, with simple, repeating words, while also enforcing ideas about controlling emotions and being responsible for one's actions without being overbearing. Children will easily relate to Penny and Benny as they grapple with sibling issues that are very real to this age group. The crafty charm of Hayes's illustrations gives the book a timeless feel, while sleek panel variation and swooping action shots reestablish readers's focus. Once again, Hayes has created a graphic novel that is inviting, relatable, but, most importantly, fun.--Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI