There's a Superhero in Your Book

November 15, 2020
Even a superhero is going to need readers' help to protect precious pages from the dastardly Scribbler. Structured along the lines of previous episodes (There's an Alien in Your Book, 2020, etc.), the latest entry in this British series urges young audiences to lift, shake, tap, or otherwise join in on the action as Superhero--portrayed as a completely yellow lad sporting a bright purple mask and cape--squares off against a green, crayon-wielding interloper and her squad of dumpling-shaped "NASTY SCRIBBLE BAD GUYS!" Both Scribbler and Scribbles stand out in the bland cartoon art, the former looking rather like a bit of green fuzz with face and limbs and the latter represented as yellow outlines with black features. The book seems destined for defacement after Superhero's friends (all familiar from previous outings except for a young witch on whom the American publisher has evidently taken a pass) are tied up. Fletcher's suggestion to pour water over the proceedings may require some hasty adult intervention...but at last a blown kiss snatches victory from defeat: "Your super kiss and the power of being kind have melted the Scribbler's meanness!" After a bit of swooping, hero and villain blast off together through the final page in search of a venue for "some nice scribbling," like a coloring book. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 75% of actual size.) Formulaic and not particularly well thought through...but a pleaser for younger movers and shakers. (Picture book. 3-6)

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February 1, 2021

PreS-K-Fans of Fletcher and Abbott's There's a Dragon in Your Book and similar titles will love having a new character to follow. Superhero, a yellow boy, must stop the Scribbler, a green scribbly girl, from writing all over the precious pages of the book. The Scribbler keeps using her imagination to thwart Superhero, and Superhero needs help stopping the scribbles. With help from readers, Superhero learns exactly how to send the troublemaker to a coloring book. Full-color pages accompany the digital art designs, making each character stand out. The text is large and readable, which is especially helpful when it is swirled with a graphic on the page. The story moves quickly and allows readers to "help" Superhero with different actions, such as tapping spots on the book and stretching. VERDICT A great read-aloud picture book that will boost story hours as listeners help save the day.-Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Reynoldsburg, OH

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