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. 

Review: Old MacDonald Had A Truck by Steve Goetz

OLD MACDONALD HAD A TRUCK

by Steve Goetz

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

Chronicle Books

Picture Book

44 pages

ages 4 to 6

"A new twist on a classic story and song, this book is just pure fun." — School Library Journal

Old MacDonald has some new friends on the farm: Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O. And on that farm he had a...TRUCK?! With a DIG DIG here and a SCOOP SCOOP there, this classic folk song just got revved up! Beloved machines—the excavator, dump truck, bulldozer, and more—will have vehicle enthusiasts of all ages reading and singing along.

• With colorful, fun illustrations, and subtle themes of gender equality, both parents and kids will enjoy this story over and over again
• Ideal for family and elementary school story time
• Steve Goetz was inspired to write his debut picture book, Old MacDonald Had a Truck, after his son began to sing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with alternative lyrics

Fans of Old MacDonald Had a Boat and Old MacDonald's Things That Go will love this entertaining read (and sing-aloud book) with a surprise ending.

MY TIDBITS

This is one kids are going to enjoy. Although taking a twist on the well-known children's song is nothing new, this book does it with twists and turns, which surprise and create giggles and smiles. Plus, there's a little bit of a learn effect as well.

The text is extremely simple and invites for kids to 'read' or sing along. Then, every other page or so, the thing Old MacDonald has on his farm is introduced...and it's something which will make especially construction and truck fans' hearts beat faster. Old MacDonald might have a farm, but he's on a mission to build something much more glorious. It's hard not to cheer with him and the super sweet animals as they work and work to make a huge dream come true. Add the nice, large letters, E-I-E-I-O, which appear over and over again, and kids are on their way to learning a few vowels too.

The illustrations make this book shine as much as the construction fun. Each page is bright and packed with life. The animals alone draw smiles as they run around and do different tasks, which adds to the humor. Plus, it turns a bit into a guessing game as to what Old MacDonald is really up to. The end is definitely a surprise, one that puts Mrs. Old MacDonald in a wonderful light.

We thoroughly enjoyed diving into this one and believe it will be a hit, especially among groups of kids as a read-aloud.


And here he is...

Steve Goetz was inspired to write his debut picture book after his son began to sing "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with alternative lyrics. He lives with his family in San Francisco.

Review: Even Superheroes Make Mistakes by Shelly Becker

EVEN SUPERHEROES MAKE MISTAKES

by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

What do young superheroes do when they’ve blundered and bungled? They don’t get mad; they get SMART! This fun follow-up to Even Superheroes Have Bad Days teaches kids another humorous lesson in overcoming adversity.

Even superheroes sometimes slip up and err. And when that happens, do they say, “It’s not FAIR?” or give up in despair? NO! “Ashamed Superheroes who goofed up somehow . . . First STOP . . . then CONSIDER what’s best to do now.”  Whether they’ve nabbed the wrong guy by mistake or bashed into a planet while zooming through space, all superheroes ‘fess up their mess-up, get on with their day, and keep on saving the world in the most super way! 

MY TIDBITS

These superheroes try their best and usually live up to their name, but sometimes mistakes—silly and clumsy—can be harder to handle then the most evil villain.

Superheroes are expected, and often do, save the day, but despite the most awesome super powers, superheroes are not perfect. A plan gone wrong, a misstep disaster or simply something left in the oven too long...these make the superheroes wonder how super they really are and leave their fans wondering too. But what does a true superhero do when they make the biggest mess in history? The only thing a true hero can do.

This is the second book about superheroes from author Shelly Becker, and it is as quicky and super as the first. Everyone makes mistakes—this is an important message everyone needs to hear again and again. But the message doesn't stop there. The true mastery isn't in only realizing the mistakes, it's in how the mistake is handled afterwards. These heroes make silly mistakes, super mistakes and simply everyday mistakes. Readers will giggle, gasp and even see themselves in these amazing fighters.

The illustrations are bold, action-packed and invite to glancing through again and again. The superheroes vary in every possible way, and there's a list on the front and back jacket which portrays each hero. In other words, listeners can find their favorites.

The text fits the intended age group nicely and keeps the scenes and mistakes as fast-paced as anything which involves superheroes should be. Some of the rhymes don't flow quite as well as they could and other times, we had to go back and read a section twice to keep pace with what was happening. Still, the book is a treat and sure to make superhero fan hearts beat at super sonic speed.


And here they are...

The Author...
Sherry Becker is the author of Sterling's Even Superheroes Have Bad Days, which Kirkus called "an action-packed romp," and Mine! Mine! Mine! which has been included in many top 5 and top 10 lists of books to teach the concept of sharing. In addition, Shelly is the author of more than 15 children's novelty books She lives in Toronoto, Canada and is available for interview. You can follow her on Twitter at @shellybeckerbooks

The Illustrator...

Eda Kaban was raised in Turkey and studied illustration in the US. Her work has appeared in a wide variety of publications and her illustrations have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Creative Quarterly, American Illustration, and 3X3. She lives in Oakland, CA. Follow her on Twitter at @petiteturk

Review: Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS

by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book

ages 3 to 9

40 pages

When Superheroes don’t get their way,

when they’re sad, when they’re mad, when they’ve had a bad day . . .
. . . they COULD super-tantrum, they COULD but they DON'T,
because REAL Superheroes just WOULDN'T—they WON'T!


All kids have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes—even young superheroes! But what do they do when they’re having a bad day? Colorful action-packed illustrations and a dynamite rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes (and ordinary children, too) can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they’re sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid. From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book has plenty of fun ideas to help kids cope when they’re feeling overwhelmed. 

MY TIDBITS

Packed full of power, this book grabs kids' attention, while showing them how to handle sour emotions without blowing up the entire world in the process.

Superheroes have bad days, but if they throw a tantrum even super villains  have to run and hide. Through action packed illustrations, the problems superheroes have to control their bad emotions becomes crystal clear. But they do it  (after all, they are superheroes) and this book gives a peek into their emotion controlling secrets.

The front and back inside cover show each of the eight superheroes depicted in this book and give them a name, so that kids can get to know each one a little better. On the first page kids are greeted with a scene that hits home--a superhero is angry and lets it out on something he shouldn't. No worries. Despite anger and depressive super outbursts, this book is perfect for kids ages three and up.

The text is kept to a minimum, offering only a few lines of rhyme over the pages. It's not always the smoothest read and at times a bit odd, but the message is brought over clear and in a way which is sure to make kids smile or wrinkle their forehead in thought.

The illustrations are superhero worthy--colorful, full of action, and make it clear what's going on. The extra details insure that kids will find new things when they flip through the pages again and again. Which they will.

The ending offers quick, subtle ways in which superheroes deal with their emotions. These are sure to inspire kids as well.

Summed up, this is a clever way to teach kids how to handle bad emotions. Especially boys will love diving into this action packed world and will enjoy explosions, super speed and maybe a little more patience.


And here they are. . .
SHELLY BECKER!!!

Shelly is the author of Mine! Mine! Mine! (Sterling), which has appeared on several lists showcasing the best books that teach the concept of "sharing" (including newspapers, the PBS/Sesame Street website, and more). Shelly has also written more than 15 children's novelty books for Tormont, and sold stories and poems to Highlights for Children and Hopscotch for Girls magazine. She lives in Montreal, Canada.

EDA KABAN!!!

Eda has done work that can be seen in gallerie throughout California and in a variety of publications. Her illustrations have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Creative Quarterly,  and 3x3. She was born and raised in Turkey and lives in San Francisco, CA.