Mo and Jo is a comic book that I enjoyed, even though I don't read comic books.This book is about two siblings who love the same superhero, Mighty Mojo who ends up giving away gives away his costume along with his powers. Mo and Jo fight over who gets the superhero outfit until it tears apart from them grabbing it from each other. Their mom ends up sewing it back together making two costumes out of it so they each can have one of their own. They keep fighting with one another on who has better superpowers, but then realize they have to stick together to fight the evil Saw-Jaw of their town. In the end, they work together to defeat the villain and end up saving their town being heroes and learning that working together is far better than fighting with one another. I think this would be a great book to introduce to kids who have siblings and to state that sharing and working together with your siblings is important. I would read this to kindergarten and first graders. ( )

Mona and Joey are brother and sister. They both love the super hero Mojo. He surprises them by revealing himself and asking them to take over for him so he can retire. WIth Saw Jaw threatening to ruin the parade Mona and Joey have to stop fighting with each other to work together. They defeat Saw Jaw and save the day.

A great lesson for kids is learned by working together to solve problems. Great for siblings who are always fighting (like my brother and I did). Also, I love the Toon Book comics! They are the perfect level for beginner comic book readers. Before Garfield, try these! ( )

This story is about a brother and sister who fight over everything. They are both obsessed with a super hero MOJO, who just happens to be their mailman. When he learns that they love him, he decides to give them his magically suit because he is retiring. Mo and Jo fight over the costume and rip it in half, but their mother is able to turn it into two magic suits and they have to learn to work together to fight off Saw-Jaw (the bad guy). This book is a fun independent read and could be fun to read aloud with different kids getting to read different characters "lines". ( )

One of the new Toon books particularly caught my eye, since I just got a new copy of Else Homelund Minarik's classic No Fighting, No Biting!

These are both focused on sibling rivalry. In the Toon story, Mo and Jo are suddenly gifted with their favorite fighting hero's super powers - but until they work together, they can't accomplish anything. In Minarik's classic I Can Read story, two old-fashioned children squabble until their older sister tells them a series of stories about two quarrelsome little crocodiles.

The artwork in Mo and Jo is more appealing, with its sharp cartoons and easy to follow panels. Maurice Sendak's illustrations for No Fighting are sparse but lively, although the old-fashioned dress and setting of the children may turn off some readers.

However, Minarik's story is highly superior to Haspiel and Lynch's Toon book. Mo and Jo fight pointlessly and continuously until the evil lizard's taunt makes them realize they must work together to defeat him. This sudden change of heart is unbelievable and the general storyline - the mailman suddenly turns out to be a superhero, gives his powerful costume to two infantile children, and their big "save the world moment" is saving a hippo balloon in a parade.

In Minarik's stories-within-the-story, the baby crocodiles work together grudgingly when they must, but it's a learning experience all around - they don't always get along, but they don't always fight either. The two children don't immediately learn their lesson and become models of deportment - they're still squeezing (but not fighting or biting!) when the stories end.

Verdict: Although more children may be attracted to the modern art of Mo and Jo, Minarik's stories will prove more satisfying in the end. I recommend both.

Mo and Jo
ISBN: 978-0979923852; Published September 2008 by Toon books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

No fighting No biting
ISBN:978-0808526605; Published 1958 by HarperCollins (various editions still in print); Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Purchased for my personal collection

Reviewed by Me for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

Joey and Mona are typical siblings. They argue - a lot. They fight over the video game controller - a lot. They make fun of each other - a lot.

There's one thing they can agree on, though. Mighty MoJo is the most awesome superhero ever. And when they discover the secret behind MoJo's identity, and are given his superpowers to fight evil, you'd think the arguing between Joey and Mona would stop.

But it doesn't, until they realize they'll have to work together to use MoJo's powers to protect the world.

MO AND JO: FIGHTING TOGETHER FOREVER is the perfect book to introduce children to comics and graphic novels. My daughter, who is almost eight, loves the format of these types of books, but since they're usually written for older teens, the content isn't always appropriate. This one was perfect for her, and, as the younger sister of a nearly-teen brother, she could perfectly relate to the storyline, as well.

A great book with wonderful, full-color illustrations, you don't want to miss this one! ( )