These are both Toon Books an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers – thanks to GMC Distribution for sending them for review.

A Trip to the Top of the Volcano With Mouse
Frank Viva

Mouse and a human have embarked on an expedition few people would contemplate: they are going to climb Mount Etna. Mouse though is much more interested in when there will be a pizza eating opportunity. The entire story is told through speech bubbles and Viva’s striking graphics, and includes a number of non-fiction elements including the necessary climbing equipment and is followed as they start their ascent, by basic information about volcanoes and their structure, plants and animals.

All the while Mouse interrupts with comments relating to the pizza he desires and complaints about the climate conditions.

An enjoyable, satisfying excursion for the climbers and for readers too, especially those with a preference for visual stories or under confident readers of prose. The inspiration for this came from the story creator’s own experience of a Mount Etna climb.

Gotta Go!
Frank Viva

Having assured his mum that he doesn’t need to use the loo before setting off to Grampa’s, ten minutes from their destination Owen looks up from his on-screen game and announces “I gotta go!” Mum offers some advice but the result is thoughts about water-related items. However the boy manages to hold it in until Grampa’s where he makes an immediate dash up three flights of stairs, to the bathroom … ‘Ahhh … “ the relief.

Off they go to the park accompanied by dog, Whizzer. Owen learns why Grampa and other older people get up early and they play a ball game with Whzzer who also pauses to wee against a tree. Grampa and Owen start discussing holding-it tactics. “I find that dancing helps me!” Grampa says and before you can say, ‘wee’, the two of them are going through Grampa’s repertoire of preventative dance moves, including the Tinkle Twist and the Wee-wee Walk, then Owen introduces the Pee-pee Hop, the Piddle Patter and the Leafy Shake.

All the while the queue to use the restrooms is growing ever longer behind them and some of those waiting also try out the moves.

Enter Mum to collect her son; she wonders what is going on and asks Owen if he needs the loo before they leave for home. Once in the car she comments, “Well, that was a great learning experience, wasn’t it?”

I’m sure readers of this comic tale will agree wholeheartedly with that. I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy toilet humour stories and Frank Viva’s with its apt colour palette, is sure to make them giggle from start to finish. I’ve never encountered this author/illustrator before and I wholeheartedly recommend his take on an experience we can all relate to.