Superhero Instruction Manual

March 15, 2016
When there are no radioactive spiders around to gift you with super skills, curl up with the Superhero Instruction Manual to learn what it takes to realize your inner superhero. Told in a combination of comic-book frames, traditional picture-book spreads, and text boxes that contain directives from the titular manual, the book introduces readers to a young, white boy deeply absorbed in a "complete, unabridged" instruction manual that guarantees it can turn anyone super in "seven easy steps." In the background, a friendly dog and an intrigued-yet-suspicious sister follow him throughout his journey to superherodom in hilarious counterpoint. The instructions lead to miniadventures, such as the search for a supersecret hideout that shows him approaching the occupied doghouse and being banished from the predictable behind-the-couch sanctum before fetching up in the remodeled treehouse (complete with "No Sisters" sign). The tale turns as the sister takes to the role of hero with more ease than her discombobulated brother, who feels far from super after a world-saving-cum-world-ending high-speed chase through the park in pursuit of his villainous sidekick pet dog. She helps readers realize that heroics are not always about superpowers but the true human power of "always [being] there when it counts." This funny, spirited exploration of superhero culture sans violence and with an added dose of familial love is a powerful addition to any bookshelf. (Picture book. 4-8)

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June 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with superpowers or get bitten by a radioactive spider and develop abilities overnight. Fear not! Just use the Superhero Instruction Manual and you can be a superhero in seven easy steps. While the first six steps (pick a name, pick a sidekick, craft a super disguise, secure a secret hideout, choose a superpower, and store up super energy) might be really easy, step number seven (save the world) isn't as doable as the manual says. It turns out that sometimes even superheroes need help. Colorful illustrations and a playful layout make this book a fun experience. The illustrations are a good mix of cartoonish styles typically found in picture books. There's also a homage to actual comic books. Where it falls flat is the text. While the idea is appealing to children who love superheroes, the tips are a little bland and lack the necessary oomph to make them really super. The ending, too, is a little uninspired. After the main character ignores his little sister in favor of his dog and messes up his attempt at saving the world, she proves that she is super by setting everything right. VERDICT While this message is lovely, the theme of sibling relationships has been done better in other picture books. A supplemental purchase.-Paige Garrison, Augusta Richmond County Library System, GA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
"Step 1: Choose a Super Name." "Step 2: Pick a Partner." While a boy follows his "Superhero Instruction Manual," readers follow the real drama: he goes from avoiding his fawning little sister to christening her his super sidekick. Equal parts heart, humor, and thrills, the book features art with old-school comics-style touches, including Ben-Day dots and all-caps action sound bursts: "KAPOW!"

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)