Today's read... Even Superheroes Get Scared by Shelly Becker

It's superhero time! Today's read is the third in a series of picture books, which shows how awesome...and normal...superheroes are. I have read the other two books (amazing, right?) and enjoyed them quite a bit. So, I was more than happy to get a peek into this latest edition and see what the superheroes are up to next.

EVEN SUPERHEROES GET SCARED

by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

Union Square Kids

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

When Superheroes feel worried or scared,
When they fret, when they sweat, when they feel unprepared . . .

They could run off screeching, they could but they don’t.
Because real superheroes just wouldn’t, they won’t.
 
Even superheroes get scared sometimes. When that happens, do they run and hide? NO! They acknowledge the feeling, then choose to be brave! There are villains to fight and cities to save! Young readers can follow the superheroes’ examples and take deep breaths, ask for help, and face new challenges.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60866313-even-superheroes-get-scared

BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Even-Superheroes-Get-Scared-Shelly-Becker-Eda-Kaban/9781454943426

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/even-superheroes-get-scared-shelly-becker/1141374828

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1454943424

MY TIDBITS

Superhero amazingness lands against something readers can empathize with (fear) and shows how to be super despite being afraid.

Superheroes are awesome and save the day, but even they have things which make them afraid. From the fear of water to the fear of the dark, these pages visit usual things, which can make young readers uncomfortable and scared. By building in tons of humor, the author takes the readers from one situation to the next, illustrating how bad it'd be for superheroes to let their fear keep them from saving the day. This allows readers to understand how bad it can be for fear to take over before watching the superheroes overcome these obstacles, still be afraid, and manage to save the day, anyway. 

The illustrations radiate humor while showing off scenes, which are very suited to superhero moments. There are quite a few details, which give readers reason to glance back again and again and enjoy each one. At the front and back of the book, the superheroes are depicted with their names, so readers can identify them, since these aren't named specifically during the read. The superpower needs to be riddled form the names, but with a little thought, it becomes clear what they are.

Written in rhyme, the text lets the humor fly while not really being overly silly. It's a nice balance and does bring across the message of not allowing fear to completely take over. The first half of the book set up the ridiculous moments, when fear does win, while the second half gives tips on how to overcome these. Some of these were more useful than others. The general message is clear and entertaining at the same time, although I did find that the explanations went on a little too long and might lose interest of more reluctant readers.  Still, this is an entertaining way to help young readers realize that they can handle fear, and it can be a first step in helping them to learn how to deal with it.