Benny and Penny in the Toy Breaker
(Toon Books Level 2)

PreS-Gr 3—t last, Penny and Benny have a reason to get along. Cousin Bo has just arrived on the scene, which means that all of their toys are in imminent danger of being destroyed by their full-speed-ahead relative. They unite in an effort to hide or bury as many things as they can before he descends. Especially at risk is Benny's treasure map that leads to backyard "loot." Bo quickly discovers it and leads the two on a chase as he plays keep-away with it. When he engages in a tug-of-war over Penny's beloved monkey doll, a leg gets ripped off and Benny yells at him for his inability to "Play nice." Bo runs away in anger, but gets caught in a fence and can't free himself. By the end, all has been forgiven. Even Bo redeems himself when he presents Monkey with a get-well card. The cartoon expressions on the characters are priceless and easily "read" by nonreaders. Children will pore over the appealing illustrations and enjoy checking out the interactive website that is dedicated to the Toon characters.—"Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.