Tony Baloney

by Pam Muñoz Ryan Narrated by Ramón de Ocampo

Overview

International best-selling author Pam MuNoz Ryan counts multiple Willa Cather Literary Awards and the Pura BelpE Medal among her numerous accolades. Tony Baloney is a rambunctious macaroni penguin with a tremendous imagination. The middle child in his family, Tony always has to take orders from his big sister and watch out for his younger siblings. But with his trusty stuffed friend Dandelion around, Tony is sure that he won't get ignored in his family-even if it means getting into a little bit of trouble first.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Ryan fills the story with memorably random details ... and Fotheringham's digitally rendered illustrations give things a Crayola-bright pizzazz. Totally goofy, but totally fun." — BOOKLIST

"The trials and tribulations of middle children get zesty, energetic treatment in this story of a macaroni penguin chick..." — THE HORN BOOK

"Not only does the story simply and accurately capture the dynamics of family life, the bright, colorful illustrations create memorable characters and vivid scenes. Tony will definitely be a favorite with readers. He is bound to become an enduring character poised to experience many more adventures." — LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION

"Ryan's exuberant story takes a fresh look at sibling dynamics. . . . Fotheringham's hyperbolic digital illustrations counterbalance the slyly understated narrative, portraying Tony's (and Dandelion's) antics with humor." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

Kirkus Reviews

Stuck between Big Sister and the Bothersome Babies, Tony Baloney the macaroni (penguin, that is) can't help acting out sometimes—which leads to a fast getaway into the cardboard hidey-space in his room "for maybe a year, or maybe twenty minutes" with his best stuffed buddy, Dandelion, followed by a parental admonition to apologize nicely. The tale is told in the present tense in a collegial, adult voice that leaves plenty of room for subtext: "Tony Baloney tells Dandelion all of his woes. As usual, Dandelion is extremely understanding." The versatile Fotheringham illustrates it with big cartoon scenes of stubby-beaked, shoe-wearing penguins in a comfy, cluttered domestic setting (the two binkie-sucking toddlers have particularly winning clueless looks). The episode will certainly evoke chords of recognition from middle children and their sibs (and parents) alike. So, "how long does it take for nicely to creep in?" Tony Baloney wonders; Dandelion (as superego) replies, "Maybe never, or in a little while. Just wait for it." Sage advice well worth offering, as closing scenes of realistically uneasy sibling détente demonstrate. (Picture book. 5-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170500147
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	06/27/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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