December 13 – It’s Gift-Giving Season

About the Holiday

It’s that time of year when we delight in sharing our love for family members and friends with gifts. Books are, of course, perfect gifts. Not only do readers enjoy them again and again, but books can give you a whole world of adventure and surprise and introduce you to characters who are courageous, empathetic, surprising, and funny and who can become like friends—especially when you dig into a series.

Thank you to Scholastic for gifting me a copy of this book for review!

The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio #1

Written by Swapna Haddow | Illustrated by Minky Stapleton

When every animal in the world is invited to receive a superpower, Zeb the zebra, Barry the lemur, and Margarine the penguin (full name: Margarine on Toast, Marge for short) find themselves last in a very, very, very long line. As the line slowly moves, Zeb dreams of the riches and acclaim he’ll soon be enjoying. When Zeb, Barry, and Marge reach the front of the line, though, the superpower manager is all out of powers to give.

Turns out, the manager has a smidgen of empathy and quickly makes up three more. Marge receives the power to make mac ‘n’ cheese, Barry gets nice handwriting, and Zeb? He now has “the power to blend in at a crosswalk!” Barry and Marge are thrilled with their superpowers, but Zeb? Not so much. Suddenly, Marge remembers that the Superheroes Cafe is looking for help and thinks they’d be perfect candidates.

The restaurant manager is all in on Marge as a macaroni-and-cheese-making chef and Barry as a menu writer. But Zeb? Barry suggests he can fold napkins. They’re hired and get right to work. Soon a new menu emerges (Mac ‘N’ Cheese for breakfast, Mac ‘N’ Cheese Salad (without the salad) for lunch, and Double Mac ‘N’ Cheese for dinner) while crumpled napkins pile up at Zeb’s station (to be fair, he is working with hooves, not hands).

The cafe fills with customers, and Zeb can’t help but overhear the rumors about the “worthless” power he got, which “ranged from ‘the power of no power’ to ‘the power of having quite sharp toenails on a Sunday.'” Zeb decides he and his friends need to complete a mission to prove they are “awesome superheroes” worth better powers. He even overhears the chicken who was given superstrength reveal that a supervillain crocodile is planning to escape from prison that very night. He plans to help.

With a mac-and-cheese ruse, they get into the prison to stop the breakout, but once inside they hear “Prisoner Break Out!” and are trapped in the kitchen as prisoners and the evil crocodile appear. Just about now, you’re probably on the edge of your seat wondering: Can Zeb use his superpower to save the day? Will Zeb ever learn to fold napkins? Is there a dessert mac ‘n’ cheese waiting in the wings? You’ll just have to tuck into The (Not So) Superheroes to find out!

Swapna Haddow and Minky Stapleton’s new graphic novel series is joyful, silly, laugh-out-loud fun as the last three animals in an endless line of superpower hopefuls become fast friends, bonding over their less-than bestowments while using them to fulfill their remarkable destinies. Haddow’s spirited characters engage in hilarious banter and witty observations that will keep kids giggling as the trio accept (or in Zeb’s case, reject) their powers, squabbling and supporting each other the way good friends do. Her fast-paced plot, twists and turns, and amusing cast of secondary characters provide laughs and suspense on every page, keeping kids riveted to the story.

Minky Stapleton captures all the zany antics, fluctuating emotions, and high-stakes adventure of these newly branded superheroes in her comical illustrations that are jam-packed with humorous details, endearing facial expressions, and dynamic typography that has fun with superhero tropes. Readers can’t help but be charmed by Zeb, Barry, and Marge and become invested in their lives as superheroes.

Introducing the well-conceived The Terrible Trio series (mac ‘n’ cheese as a superpower? Inspired perfection!), The (Not So) Superheroes is freewheeling comedic fun that will captivate kids, including reluctant readers, from the first page and offers plenty of repeat reading rewards. Book Two in the series: The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out releases on February 3, 2026.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546182986

About the Author

Swapna Haddow grew up in the UK and wrote her first book at age eight. She wishes she’d kept it, but it seemed like a good idea at the time to trade it for two stickers and a couple of marbles! Her first published book was the hilarious junior novel Dave Pigeon, which grew into a laugh-out-loud, award-winning series. She has since written many funny, colorful, and much-loved picture books as well as further junior fiction series. Swapna loves to write stories filled with boisterous animals causing mayhem, with friendship and humour consistently at the heart of her work. Swapna now lives in Dunedin, New Zealand, with her husband, son, and their dog. Her first homegrown tall tale with Scholastic New Zealand is But Then… the almost true story of an overdue book. You can visit her at swapnahaddow.com.

About the Illustrator

Minky Stapleton is a multi-faceted illustrator with a range of styles, all with a dash of humor. An award-winning Art Director and Creative Director originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Minky gave up advertising to follow her first love, illustration. She now resides in Auckland, New Zealand, where she balances illustration projects with running classes for kids on how to design scary monsters. Minky has illustrated many titles for Scholastic, from hilarious picture books to historical fiction and high-energy, heavily illustrated junior fiction. Visit her at minkystapleton.com.

Gift-Giving Season Activity

The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio Activity Sheets

Kids can whip up lots of fun with the The (Not So) Superheroes activity sheets on author Swapna Haddow’s website. They’ll find sheets for discovering their superpower animal, character-drawing, coloring, and even Marge’s mac ‘n’ cheese recipe. Visit Swapna Haddow’s Fun Stuff page to download the activity pages!

You can purchase The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio #1 from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 28 – International Read Comics in Public Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

International Read Comics in Public Day was established in 2010 by comic lovers Brian Heater and Sarah Morean, who also created the comic blog “The Daily Cross Hatch.” They chose August 28th, Jack Kirby’s birthday, for this holiday that celebrates the various comic genres and styles. Kirby, born in 1917, was an American comic book artist, writer, and editor who is widely heralded as one of the medium’s most prolific and innovative creators. He co-created many iconic characters for Marvel, including the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Black Panther, and Thor. To celebrate today, grab your favorite comics and head outside to enjoy the summer day and see what your favorite characters are up to.

Thank you to Harry N. Abrams for sending me a copy of this book for review.

All the Hulk Feels

By Dan Santat

It’s been a maddening day for Bruce Banner. First “The Leader” requests Bruce’s least favorite song be played on the radio during his morning commute. Then, during lunch at the Luvbürger, he finds a pickle on his sandwich when he clearly asked for No Pickles. Could Leader be behind that too? Each of these infractions makes Doctor Banner so angry that Hulk appears. And Hulk is not happy (although all the kids who witness these transformations are thrilled). At the Luvbürger, a boy gives Hulk a crayon with this advice: “Coloring makes me feel better.”

Hulk takes it to heart and scribbles on a piece of paper. Feeling calmer, he stuffs the paper into his pants pocket and continues eating his lunch. Two minutes later, Bruce reemerges only to taste, and immediately “PTOO!” another pickle. Aware now of the paper in his pocket, he takes it out and reads the missive from Hulk. Hulk proclaims “Burger GOOD!” There are pictures of a burger surrounded by hearts and of Bruce blowing his top. Hulk has written, “Dear Bruce, Hulk think you mad for wrong reasons.” He closes with the picture of a pickle and the words “no mad at pickle.” Bruce Banner becomes enraged.

He takes up the crayon, answers Hulk’s letter, and stuffs it into his pocket just before—you guessed it—Hulk appears once more. He grabs the letter and reads. “Dear Hulk, I know we have never met, but we share the same body. Please don’t tell me how to feel. I have real feelings and I can feel them when I want.” Letters fly back and forth as Hulk and Bruce try to make their case. Hulk snaps the crayon in two. Meanwhile, Leader is laughing his head off because his plan to rule the world is working perfectly. While Bruce and Hulk are distracted, Leader frees all the super villains from prison and lets them loose on the city.

Seeing the broken crayon, Bruce realizes his words have consequences, and he writes an apology. In his follow up, Hulk is eloquent in his view that Bruce is lucky because he “feel all feel” while Hulk can “only feel mad” but wishes he could “feel other feel” like laughter, love, and even crying. They come to an understanding: “Hulk okay be mad if smash bad guy!”

Turns out this will work as at this very moment a van is flipping through the air toward Bruce Banner and a tyke on a trike. In the blink of an eye, Hulk saves the day and cleans up Leader’s mess.

Humorous and heartfelt, Dan Santat’s foray into the Marvel Universe takes readers on an alternating transformative learning experience that will resonate with kids—and adults—whose emotions can sometimes become overwhelming and lead to misplaced anger. Bruce’s dismissive attitude toward Hulk’s advice and Hulk’s self-awareness weaves a poignant thread throughout the story while demonstrating to readers that the effects of one person’s anger are felt by many others. As Bruce Banner and Hulk settle their argument, kids see the benefits of talking things out, listening to others, and empathy.

Santat’s dynamic graphic panels are packed with action that will excite kids as Bruce Banner transforms into Hulk and back leaving Hulk confused as to what all the fuss is about. Kids will enjoy picking out Marvel allusions, following Bruce’s ever-changing shirts following his Hulk phases, and catching Leader in his nefarious plots from page to page.

Younger children and adults will have a blast sharing All the Hulk Feels, while emerging and independent readers will find the large text and well-attributed dialog bubbles easy to follow. This fun and perceptive book will easily become a favorite (especially among Marvel fans) on home bookshelves and for library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Harry N. Abrams/Abrams Fanfare, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419776137

About the Author/Illustrator

Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of All the Hulk Feels, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets. Join him on Instagram.

International Read Comics in Public Day Activity

Create Your Own Story

It’s so much fun to let your imagination roar! Use these printable comic style pages to create a story as unique as you are!

Comic Panels with Colorful Borders Page 1 | Page 2

Comic Panels with Black and White Borders Page 1 | Page 2

You can purchase All the Hulk Feels from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

July 18 – It’s National Anti-Boredom Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

After the initial excitement of summer vacation begins to wear off, many kids start asking, “Now what do I do?” or the ever-popular “I’m bored!” A good dose of boredom, though, can often lead to unexpected adventures, surprising creativity, and exciting discoveries. Reading is a wonderful way to incorporate all three while introducing kids to new ideas, people, places, and experiences or to catch up with favorite characters like Iron Man, who finds his first task in this new Marvel graphic novel “a little boring,” but what comes next is anything but!

Thank you to Harry N. Abrams for sending a copy of this book to me for review!

Iron Man: Something Strange! (A Mighty Marvel Team Up): An Original Graphic Novel (Volume 4)

Written by Dean Hale | Illustrated by Douglas Holgate | Colors by Ian Herring

In the midst of taking on a humongous oaf who’s menacing a river-spanning bridge, “the invincible Iron Man” still has time to muse over how saving the day is “the second-best feeling in the world.” What’s first? Well, that, he reveals—while scanning and repairing the bridge and zipping off to Avengers Tower with the villain’s head—is using his tech skills. Of course, for Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, problems are just opportunities. “Opportunities for technological awesomeness.”

Iron Man hasn’t even gotten inside Avengers Tower before he learns the bad/good? news that another “opportunity” awaits. Disappointingly, the problem isn’t as cool as he hopes. It seems the phones aren’t working—a problem Tony states that “someone of my experience and intellect might find . . . a little boring.” But what does he find? The problem is “boring AND doesn’t follow the laws of physics.” While the other Avengers try to give Iron Man suggestions, he rejects them all, especially Thor’s idea to enlist a magic wizard.

But when Iron Man discovers a little one-eyed octopus-like creature clinging to the satellite dish and then meets its mother—its angry mother who easily defeats Iron Man’s force field—Doctor Strange appears on the scene to help. Against Iron Man’s protests, Strange talks to Gargantos and learns that its ten spawn have “tumbled into this plane of existence” and it wants them found. It gives the two superheroes one hour to find them all, or it eats Iron Man.

Thus, begins a contest between Tony Stark and Doctor Strange to find the most spawn. The prize? The winner gets to keep his mustache. With the stakes decided, the two zoom off to find those little demons. As time ticks down, the two use their individual skills to round up the kids while crashing a party, meeting up with other Marvel superheroes, catching a bank robber, and—could it be?—combining tech and magic (with a little help from a surprise source) to bring Gargantos’s family together and send them on their way. And does Doctor Strange hold up his end of their bargain? You’ll just have to see!

In this fourth installment (out of five) of the Mighty Marvel Team-Up series, Dean Hale has great fun with the good-natured rivalry between Tony Stark and Doctor Strange. Kids are sure to laugh at the one-upmanship between these two as they agree to work together as well as at the dynamics between Stark and the other Avengers as they bump up against Stark’s well-known ego while trying to provide help. Ms. Marvel also appears just in time to bestow on Stark wisdom and perspective he (and readers) can relate to. Bravado, bravery, and friendship are the hallmarks of the Avengers universe, and Dean Hale perfectly captures these forces to entertain readers and spark that superhero in each one of them.

Douglas Holgate’s skill in bringing action, humor, and larger-than-life characters to the page is on full display in this madcap adventure loaded with technological and magical wonders that will thrill kids. Every panel crackles with motion, otherworldly feats, danger, and emotive facial expressions that define each character. And Holgate didn’t forget the cuteness! The one-eyed, tentacled children of Gargantos are adorable as they run rampant through the city. Readers will also be pleased with Doctor Strange’s answer for what to do with the destruction Gargantos wrecks upon the park before recovering all ten little ones.

Ian Herring’s vibrant colors replicate the “Wow!” factor of a blockbuster movie in this eye-catching graphic novel. Herring’s deft use of pastel and vivid shades moves the reader’s eyes naturally across the spreads while highlighting the action or most crucial part of the scene. The rich red of Iron Man’s suit accentuates his starring role in this story. Visit him at 156thmongoose.com.

An exciting, humorous, and high-impact addition to this Marvel-ous series, Iron Man: Something Strange! (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up), is a must for all action hero-loving kids as well as for all children’s library collections.

Ages 6 – 9

Harry N. Abrams, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419770517

About the Author

Dean Hale is the New York Times bestselling coauthor of over 20 books for young readers, including Eisner Award-nominee Rapunzel’s Revenge, popular early chapter book series The Princess in Black, two graphic novels about young Wonder Woman, and two novels about the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. It has been said that if you look in the mirror and say Hale’s name three times, he will appear and give you a piggyback ride. This is mostly untrue.

About the Illustrator

Douglas Holgate is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Last Kids on Earth from Penguin Kids, now also an Emmy Award-winning Netflix animated series, and the cocreator and illustrator of the graphic novel Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race for Scholastic Graphix. He has worked for the last 20 years making books and comics for publishers around the world from his garage in Victoria, Australia. Visit him at douglasbotholgate.com.

If you haven’t already, check out the first three books in the series, featuring Spiderman!

Spiderman: Animals Assemble! | Spiderman: Quantum Quest! | Spiderman: Cosmic Chaos!

National Anti-Boredom Month Activity

Iron Man Coloring Pages

Kids won’t ever be bored when Iron Man’s around! Spark their imagination to create exciting adventures for Iron Man with these coloring pages!

Iron Man Flying | Iron Man in the Stark Industries Engineering Lab

You can purchase Iron Man: Something Strange (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

Celebrating Back to School Month with Deb Pilutti

Posted by Kath Carroll

Deb Pilutti feels lucky to have a job where reading, playing with toys, and watching cartoons is considered “research.” Before becoming an award-winning author & illustrator, Deb was a graphic designer and created toys for Oliebollen.com and graphics for SeaWorld and Warner Brothers theme parks. She’s the author of Old Rock (is not boring), Idea Jar, The Secrets of Ninja School, Bear and Squirrel are Friends, and Ten Rules of Being a Superhero.

You can connect with Deb Pilutti on Her website | Instagram | Twitter

Hi Deb! It’s so great to talk with you! This month we’re celebrating Back to School Month, Get Ready for Kindergarten Month, Family Fun Month, and even Happiness Happens Month! All of these are perfect opportunities for kids, families, and teachers to discover the creative ideas and self-confidence-boosting reassurance in your wonderful books as they leave summer behind and head back to the routines of a school year! Before we do that, though, can you share a favorite summer memory from your childhood?

The first time my family camped at Ludington State Park in Michigan. One summer, my parents packed my three brothers, my sister, and me into the station wagon and we drove from Indiana to Ludington and put up a huge canvas tent in our designated camping spot. We were thrilled when we discovered the rolling sand dunes that lay in between the campground and Lake Michigan. We spent our days running and jumping off the dunes, looking for tadpoles in the ponds nearby and body surfing in the ice-cold lake. Back then, I never imagined I would live in Michigan. Now when I head to the big lake every summer, I think back on the joy we felt.

Ludington State Park sounds gorgeous! How wonderful that you get to enjoy it every summer! Thanks so much for sharing that

I’m happy to be featuring one of my favorite books for guiding kids on that journey to become the self-assured, optimistic, and ingenious person they want to be.

Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero

By Deb Pilutti

Lava Boy and his favorite toy, Captain Magma, have saved the day many times. But there’s one superhero skill they haven’t mastered yet: the ability to fly. It shouldn’t be too hard for Captain Magma and Lava Boy to figure out. But it’s going to take a new set of rules, plenty of glitter, and some help from the brave Star Girl and her action figure, Meteor Shower, before these superheroes actually reach new heights. This clever gender-inclusive story takes young readers on an adventure in which learning lessons in friendship is just as important as learning how to fly like a superhero.

With humor and imagination, Deb Pilutti outlines terrific advice on how children can achieve their goals—whether they revolve around school, sports, art, making friends, or any activity—and soar. Her straightforward steps, which can apply to any situation, are charmingly paired with specifics for helping Captain Magma fly and kid-centric reminders like “never skimp on the glitter.”

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Image copyright Deb Pilutti, 2020, courtesy of Henry Holt & Company.

Kids will appreciate Lava Boy’s toy-strewn floor, where Lava Boy’s imagination takes flight with action, peril, animals, and people on the go. Captain Magma offers up lots of funny looks and asides (appropriately expressed in sunny yellow speech bubbles) that kids will recognize and empathize with. Hints on the identity of Lava Boy and Captain Magma’s new like-minded friends can be glimpsed early in the story through Lava Boy’s window and while he’s outside playing with his toys.

Wrapped in an exuberant story, Ten Steps to Flying like a Superhero – the soaring picture book companion toTen Rules for Being a Superhero – is a super way to teach kids the steps that lead to success. The book would be a favorite for story times as well as times when encouragement is needed and would be a welcome addition to home, classroom, and public library collections.

Ages 5 – 9

Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt & Co, 2020 | ISBN 978-1627796507

Check out Deb Pilutti’s other books too!

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celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-secrets-of-ninja-school-cover

**You can find Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

July 10 – National Kitten Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

There are few things cuter than a kitten! Playful, sweet, surprising, and did I mention playful? kittens melt your heart with their big eyes, fluffy fuzz, and tiny mews. They make the purr-fect pet for many families. To make sure more kittens find loving forever homes, Colleen Paige, Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Author, and Animal Advocate, founded National Kitten Day to encourage adoption and celebrate the joy kittens can bring to our lives by knowing just when we need an extra snuggle, a bit of goofiness, or a moment of downtime play. In fact, today’s book shows just how much kittens are needed.

Emergency Kittens

Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer | Illustrated by Dave Mottram

“Are you in a tough spot? Has life got you down?” Perhaps you feel the need to be rescued by a superhero—you know the kind: strong, fast, and with an awesome costume. But maybe there’s an even better option for making your day brighter. What is it? It’s actually three things. Three soft, cuddly, BIG eyed “Emergency Kittens!” “Meet Mimi, Twee-Twee, and Adorbs! These three cuties make everything better!”

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Image copyright Dave Mottram, 2020, text copyright Jody Jensen Shaffer, 2020. Courtesy of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.

From ice-cream disasters to bad hair days to sticky situations, Emergency Kittens save the day. Take Sheldon, for instance. One day at the playground “his ball takes a bad bounce” right into the hands of three bullies. Sounds like this calls for some superheroes! And sure enough, they all “show up in a Flash!” with inspirational sayings, big promises, and eve their own hashtag. But while they’re busy lifting bulldozers, leaping tall walls, flying here and there, and getting all tied up in knots, Sheldon’s ball is still being bounced out of reach.

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Image copyright Dave Mottram, 2020, text copyright Jody Jensen Shaffer, 2020. Courtesy of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.

Sheldon worries—who can help him? “Mimi, Twee-Twee, and Adorbs know the answer!” They spring into action—paws outstretched, capes flying—and in a bound they’re in the middle of the playground vanquishing those bullies with cuteness antics. But they still have one more play to make…ready? Who could resist those BIG EYES and rumbling Purr? No one! Not even the bullies. While those guys are distracted, Adorbs shoots the ball back to Sheldon. It’s just another day in the life of Emergency Kittens!

celebrate-picture-books-review-picture-book-review-emergency-kittens-hair

Image copyright Dave Mottram, 2020, text copyright Jody Jensen Shaffer, 2020. Courtesy of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.

Kitten lovers (and who isn’t?) rejoice! If you’ve ever gazed into a kitten or cat’s wide eyes and felt their little revving motor of happiness, you know how they can make any bad day seem better. Jody Jensen Shaffer brings that feel good warmth to her funny story that is purr-fectly aww-some. Sprinkling her story with puns and take-offs on superhero lore, Shaffer plays with stereotypes to deliver cuddles galore and a message that might is no match for sweetness and a little unconditional love.

Dave Mottram pulled out all the glimmering, hypnotic adorable stops in giving these Emergency Kittens their show-stopping, bully-melting gaze. Hilarious exaggeration, giggle-inducing rescues, and a set of clueless, self-absorbed superheroes will have kids in stitches from beginning to end. And the double-spread, poster-worthy reveal of the Emergency Kittens using their super power in its full force is sure to elicit plenty of prolonged Awwws and Ooos and exclaimations of “I want one!”

Sure to be a super hit with kids, Emergency Kittens! belongs on every home, school, and public library bookshelf for those times when extra TLC is needed.

Ages 3 – 7

Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2020 | ISBN 978-1984830081

Discover more about Jody Jensen Shaffer and her books on her website.

To learn more about Dave Mottram, his books, and his art, visit his website.

National Kitten Day Activity

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Match the Kittens Puzzle

These kittens all have a twin, but they got mixed up while playing! Can you find the pairs again in this printable Match the Kittens Puzzle?

**You can find Emergency Kittens! at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

National 17 – Celebrating the Book Birthday of Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

What better time to celebrate the launch of a new book than during National Picture Book Month?! A sequel to a favorite book is always something to eagerly look forward to, so I’m excited today to be featuring Deb Pilutti’s companion book to her acclaimed Ten Rules of Being a Superhero. With these two clever books in hand, there’s no telling how high or how far a child can soar.

Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero

By Deb Pilutti

With his yellow suit, red cape, and red eye mask, Lava Boy and his toy sidekick Captain Magma are saving the earth (well, at least Lava Boy’s bedroom-floor town) from marauding dinosaurs by day. By night Captain Magma proves his superstrength during bath time by hoisting the bar of soap above his head, and he uses his “lava vision” to rescue a lost elephant from under the bed. And at all times, Captain Magma’s “friendly personality has won over even the most evil of the supervillains.”

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But while he’s sleeping, Captain Magma still dreams of the one time a bird picked him up and took him on an amazing journey of flight. He longs to repeat this feat, not only because it was fun but because Lava Boy has been fascinated by a new superhero, Meteor Shower, who can fly for real. Captain Magma thinks that with a plan and his smart sidekick Lava Boy’s help, he can learn to fly too.

First they lay out the steps they need to take and then with all the necessary materials (especially plenty of glitter), they get to work. They pay particular attention to Step 3, sticking to the plan (even though Captain Magma feels a little ridiculous getting his “wingspan” measured) and Step 4, (“check your work”) which will bolster their chances of success. Then it’s time to launch—but not on some rickety tower of toys. Lava Boy takes Captain Magma to the stable railing of their tree house and… after the good advice at Step 6, he’s ready to “FLY!”

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But what is that straight ahead? Captain Magma flaps his arms as hard as he can, but lands head first in a bird’s nest. “I should have learned to turn,” he tells the birds, who gaze at their uninvited guest curiously. Fortunately, Lava Boy was a very smart sidekick and had “prepared for anything,” but maybe not for everything. That’s where a new friend (like Meteor Shower and her sidekick, Star Girl) can come to the rescue and make trying again even more fun.

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Wrapped in an exuberant story, Ten Steps to Flying like a Superhero is a super way to teach kids the steps that lead to success. The book would be a favorite for story times as well as times when encouragement is needed and would be a welcome addition to home, classroom, and public library collections.

Ages 5 – 9

Henry Holt & Company, 2020 | ISBN 978-1627796507

Discover more about Deb Pilutti, her books, and her art on her website.

Picture Book Month Activity

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Reading is Super! Maze

A super reader wants to bring books to his friends so they can all read together. Can you help him get through this printable Reading is Super Maze to reach his friends?

**You can find Ten Steps to Flying Like a Superhero at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review

October 9 – Super Rooster Saves the Day Book Tour Stop

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

I’m always excited to join in on the book tour for a just-released picture book. There’s nothing like the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they discover a new favorite at the bookstore or library. Today, I’m happy to be featuring a book that will definitely bring on the giggles and have kids kicking up their heels!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media and Two Lions for sending me Super Rooster Saves the Day for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Super Rooster Saves the Day

Written by Maureen Wright | Illustrated by Rob McClurkan

Superheroes were Ralph the rooster’s…well…heroes, and he wanted to be just like them. He already had many of the prerequisites. He could make the sun rise (on nice days), he had a cape (one he shared with the farmer), he could fly (sort of), and “he could make himself invisible…if he pretended he was a weather vane.” But the other animals on the farm were skeptical. All except his best friend Rosie the pig.

There was one major problem. Life on the farm was pretty boring, and no superhero was ever needed. That is until one day when Ralph heard the chicken dance blasting from the radio. He immediately got to his feet with a “cheep-cheep-cheep! / flap-flap-flap! / wiggle-wiggle-wiggle, / and a clap-clap-clap!” Suddenly, he was surging with super powers that helped him leap off the barn roof and “‘fly faster than a speeding pullet.’”

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-super-rooster-saves-the-day-radio

Image copyright Rob McClurkan, 2020, text copyright Maureen Wright, 2020. Courtesy of Two Lions.

He and Rosie were ready to be heroes. It didn’t take long for them to find a tree ablaze in yellow and orange. Ralph summoned his powers with a “cheep-cheep-cheep! / flap-flap-flap! / wiggle-wiggle-wiggle, / and a clap-clap-clap!” grabbed buckets of water and…helped that autumn tree grow? Next, they saw some confused geese flying south when they should have been flying north. It was going to be winter, after all. He leaped into the air and turned them around. It was only when he came back to earth that Ralph learned his mistake.

In search of another task, Ralph noticed large green balls falling from a tree. Once again he cheeped, flapped, wiggled, and clapped, and with a baseball bat sent those balls flying. But what would the squirrels do now that Ralph had sent their winter food far away? the animals asked. Ralph thought it was good that he’d “‘shared those walnuts with the hungry squirrels who live far away from here.’” All this saving-the-day stuff had left Ralph and Rosie hungry. They rushed over to the corn field only to find a flock of crows nibbling to their hearts’ content.

Ralph did his dance and “zoomed around the cornfield, but there were just too many crows to chase away.” The other animals realized that Ralph needed help. At Rosie’s urging, they all did the chicken dance. The crows were so “shocked to see the dancing animals” that Ralph had no trouble scaring them away. That night the animals celebrated Ralph’s awesome powers with a dance party in the barn while Ralph thanked his friends for their help—especially his sidekick, Rosie.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-super-rooster-saves-the-day-tree

Image copyright Rob McClurkan, 2020, text copyright Maureen Wright, 2020. Courtesy of Two Lions.

Maureen Wright’s super silly story is just the antidote for these indoor days. Full of puns and plays on superhero tropes, the story’s highlighted chicken dance—prefaced with a trippingly fun-to-say phrase—will have kids on their feet, cheeping, flapping, wiggling, and clapping during each rollicking read aloud. Ralph’s well-meaning rescues will have kids giggling as they, like Ralph’s farm-animal friends, will be in on the joke of each mistake from the beginning. The triumphant ending shows what true friendship is all about—and will spark a dance party with the whole family.

As Ralph the rooster finds his superpower muse in the chicken dance, kids will laugh out loud at Rob McClurkan’s depictions of Ralph wiggling his tail feathers in time with the music and instantly being zapped with “POW! WOW!” powers. As Ralph blithely goes about “saving the day,” the facial expressions and reactions of the other animals heightens the humor. Bold comic book-style panels accentuate each step of the chicken dance whenever Ralph calls upon his superpower, giving kids a bit more encouragement to join in.

A super fun book to share for boisterous, let-loose story times at home or during virtual or in-person read alouds, Super Rooster Saves the Day is a lighthearted story with lots of heart that would be a often-asked-for addition to home, school, and public library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Two Lions, 2020 | ISBN 978-1542007788

Maureen Wright is the author of a number of popular picture books, including Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep!, Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze!, and Share, Big Bear, Share!, all illustrated by Will Hillenbrand; the Amazon bestseller Sneezy the Snowman, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin; and Anna and the Tooth Fairy, illustrated by Anna Chernyshova. She lives with her husband, Don, in Athens, Pennsylvania. Learn more about Maureen Wright on her website.

Rob McClurkan is the author and illustrator of Aw, Nuts! and Playdates Rule! and has also illustrated a number of books, including Tough Tug by Margaret Read MacDonald and Sloth to the Rescue by Leanne Shirtliffe. He grew up in Tennessee, where his grandparents’ farm, Saturday morning cartoons, and the Sunday funnies fueled his imagination. Now he lives with family near Atlanta, Georgia.

You can connect with Rob on

His Website| Instagram | Twitter

Super Rooster Saves the Day Book Tour Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-chicken-craft

A Super Chicken

A long-handled wooden turner makes a super decoration for your room or kitchen—and a great partner for all of your chicken-dance fun!

Supplies

Printable Comb and Scarf Template
Long-handled wooded turner, available in kitchen supply stores
Red felt
Yellow bake-able clay
Fabric, 12 inches square
A small piece of white felt or fleece (optional)
White paint (or any color you would like)
Black marker
Fabric glue
Glue gun
Paint brush

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-chicken-craft

Directions

Paint the wooden turner, let dry
Cut the scarf from the piece of fabric
Make a beak from the yellow clay and bake it according to package directions

To make the comb

Cut out the comb from the red felt
Fold the felt in half and glue the end together with the fabric glue
Cut short strips from the folded top of the felt, about ½-inch to ¾ -inch in length
Round the corners of the strips slightly

To make the scarf

Fold the fabric in half
With the long, straight edge of the scarf template along the fold, cut out the scarf
With the fabric glue, glue the two sides of the scarf together so that you have two “right” sides
Let dry

To assemble the chicken

Pinch the bottom of the comb together so that the strips open and the felt pleats a little
With the glue gun attach the comb to the back of the painted turner, keeping the bottom pinched together
Attach the beak to the front of the turner
Draw eyes on the chicken with the black marker
Tie the scarf around the neck of the handle, hold in place with a drop of glue in the back if necessary
To make tail feathers in a turner with a hole in the handle, pinch together a small folded piece of white felt or fleece and push it through the hole in the handle of the turner.
Cut or arrange to look like feathers

**You can find Super Rooster Saves the Day at these booksellers**

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

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Super Rooster Saves the Day Book Tour Activity

A Super Chicken

You can find Super Rooster Saves the Day at these booksellers

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Share this:

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