written by Philippe Coudray

As always, Toon Books continue to deliver helpful, nicely done graphic novels for kids. Benjamin Bear in Fuzzy Thinking is another example: sturdy board book, colorful, vibrant images, age-appropriate grammar, and a very useful “How to Read Comics with Your Kids” guide in the back. Toon Books are conveniently divided into levels (this too is explained in their books), and Benjamin Bear is a Level Two (grades 1–2).

The simple stories inside the book follow sweet, kindly Benjamin and his menagerie of friends as they do such things as fly a kite, fish, play games, and go sailing. It’s all pretty simple and straightforward, which is nice, and gives young readers a lot to grasp unto (the stories also give parents plenty of opportunity to act out if they are reading them to their kids). The colors are beautifully done as well—muted, pleasing, and lovely.
 
The stories were originally done in French by painter and artist Philippe Coudray and here have been translated into English. As one would expect, they provide excellent reading material for young kids just starting out with the language. The images will help solidify those reading skills.
 

-- John Hogan

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