From 1993 to 1995, Western Books, under their Golden Books imprint, published a trio of Sonic the Hedgehog picture books for young readers aged 4-8. The books were somewhere between the Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon and Archie Comics Sonic the Hedgehog comic, though also featured the design of Doctor Robotnik seen in Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Given the books were aimed at younger readers, they’re generally unchallenging affairs. That said, even though the storytelling style is somewhat simplistic, there are plenty of laughs and well-framed morals for young readers to take away from the books.

Archie Comics artist Art Mawhinney provided his wonderful, vibrant stylings for the books, ensuring their covers stood out on shelves. The art in the books’ interiors is equally charming, including one rather famous example- specifically, an image of a SWATbot using its fist to hammer a sign into the ground, which reads “NO FUN ALLOWED.” This image has become widespread in the years since the books’ release, as an amusing piece of internet iconography.

COVER IMAGE	ENTRY	RELEASE DATE	KINTOBOR COMPUTER REVIEW RANK
	Sonic’s Shoes Blues	1993
	The Secret Admirer	2/94
	Up Against the Wall	1995
	Double Trouble	1996