Bob Weber Jr.
Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids remains one of the most popular children's strips in the world, distributed by King Features Syndicate to nearly 400 newspapers worldwide. It was created by Bob Weber Jr., son of celebrated cartoonist Bob Weber and father of two children of his own.

Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids is geared for young readers but also has found a following with all those young at heart. The feature includes mysteries, visual puzzles, how-to-draw lessons, gags and information on nature, pet care, safety, history, geography, self-esteem, conservation, the environment and more.

The ringleader of all the fun is Slylock Fox, a bright-red woodland Sherlock Holmes who solves problems through logic and reasoning. He regularly shares information and fun facts with readers, who have made him a special favorite.

Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids was awarded a 1997 Parent's Choice Approval Commendation by the Parent's Choice Foundation, marking the first time a comic strip has ever been honored by the organization.

Since 1978, the Parent's Choice Foundation has been the only not-for-profit consumer guide to children's media. Parent's Choice annually reviews children's books, videos, toys, audio, video games, computer programs, television, magazines, comic publications, parenting material, online services, collectibles and mail-order catalogs of children's products. Among the organization's honorary advisory board members are Julie Andrews, LeVar Burton, Barbara Bush, Peggy Charren, Dom DeLuise, Shari Lewis and Mister Fred Rogers.

Weber was born Jan. 21, 1957, in Baltimore.

It was almost destiny that Weber create a comic feature starring a lovable animal. Originally, he wanted to be a veterinarian.

In 1976 Weber enrolled in the University of Maryland, where he majored in biology until his sophomore year, when he switched to a community college. There he took drawing courses and joined the staff of the campus newspaper as a cartoon editor.

By 1978, Weber was working as assistant cartoonist for his father, creator of "Moose & Molly," which also is distributed by King Features Syndicate.

In 1981, Weber became a staff artist at King Features, where he created Comics for Kids. At the same time, his cartoons were appearing in Good Housekeeping, Ladies' Home Journal and Reader's Digest.

By 1990, the demands of his feature were so great that he began to work full-time from his home studio.

Weber receives hundreds of letters a week, many of them addressed to Slylock. Weber is thrilled by the positive reception generated by his character, a nonviolent fox who relies on his wits and logic. To provide more opportunities for fans to enjoy his super-sleuth's adventures, Weber created a Web site www.slylockfox.com. The site was launched in March 1999. In its first year, slylockfox.com received many awards, including: "Educational Best Bet" — USA Today, "Best of the Web" (comic industry) — 4anything.com, "Best of the Net" and "Showcase Site of the Week" — About.com, Parent's Choice Foundation Approval Commendation (first comic strip to receive the award).

In February 2000, Weber introduced an interactive Web package exclusively for online newspapers. More than just a single feature, Interactive Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids is an online collection of games, puzzles, fun facts, drawing lessons and other interactive activities.

The characters from his strip have just made it into toy stores. Bob Weber Jr.'s Slylock Fox Brain Bogglers, manufactured by the Great American Puzzle Factory, was among Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products named in 1996.

Weber and his wife, Lisa,live in Arizona, and have a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Jeffrey.