SUPER HERO DAD

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A vibrant, humorous and warmhearted celebration of all the incredible things a dad can do. A soon-to-be-classic book about the specialness of dad (and their superhero sons!).

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

"Dads are sometimes boring,/ but mine's not, and I'm glad,/ because, you see, he's secretly a.../ superhero dad!" With rhymes that bound along and equally energetic digital artwork, Knapman and Berger highlight a boy's love for his father, who looks like a Clark Kent-esque nerd but can make a truly super breakfast ("The very best is toast with chocolate,/ and fruit, ice cream, and cake!"); (mostly) knows his way around a hammer, nails, and saw; and scares away any nighttime monsters. Visual references to superhero comics and jokes at dad's expense, as when he holds the tiny family dog over his head like a weight lifter, add to a playful portrait of mutual father-son devotion. Ages 3-7. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2-To an outsider, this curly-haired, bespectacled father may be an ordinary guy, but his admiring son knows the truth: "He's secretly a SUPERHERO DAD!" The boy goes on to list proof of his father's powers: he makes amazing pancakes, he tells the funniest jokes, he's super strong, and he can make the coolest castle. In one illustration, Dad's shadow outlines the superhero his son sees in him. Slightly flat multimedia textures complement vivacious line drawings, with bright colors and comic book motifs. The rhythm of the rhyming text feels slightly strained, but the book's large format and energetic artwork should make it a favorite around Father's Day. VERDICT A good purchase for parent-child lap-readings.-Rachel Anne Mencke, St. Matthew's Parish School, Pacific Palisades, CA c Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Some superheroes wear an apron instead of a cape. The towheaded youngster narrating this story adores superheroes his room is papered with superhero posters and his pillows pop with superhero onomatopoeia. No wonder he thinks that his dad is super. Superloud snoring, super breakfasts that he can make even half asleep, hefting the mighty Jumbo (a weenie weiner dog), and the power to banish nighttime fears are all evidence of Dad's impressive skills. In a heartwarming turn, readers learn that the feeling is mutual: Dad confesses that he is not really a superhero, but he has a superhero son. Berger's colorful, dynamic illustrations walk the line between cartoonish and realistic, with lots of action lines and starbursts that show readers how special Dad is, despite his rather ordinary attire of a sweater, jeans, and glasses. While the rhyming lines don't always scan, the humor is unmistakable, especially when Berger illustrates the ordinary reality of Dad's extraordinary feats. Blazing with energy and saturated with love, this is a cheerful choice for a Father's Day storytime.--Willey, Paula Copyright 2016 Booklist

Kirkus Book Review

A small blond boy describes the many ways his nebbishy dad is a superhero. From super snoring to super breakfasts ("toast with chocolate, and fruit, ice cream, and cake!"), this dad makes everything fun, playing dinosaurs, lifting and carrying his son, and building him an amazing (but rickety) wooden castle (not without a thumb injury, though, but he meant to do that!). These things might not seem like superhero deeds to most readers, and the narrator sees that question coming. He explains about the noises he hears at night in his room and how his dad comes in to rescue him with the flick of a light switch and his presence. " Superhero Dad,' I say, / you are the best by miles!' / My dad says, / I'm no Superhero,' / then he stops and smiles. / But I know a Superhero / who is brave and kind and fun. Who is it? // Why, it's you! You are my SUPERHERO SON!' " It's a sweet concept, but the execution is a little off. Knapman's rhythm sometimes stumbles in his rhyming verses. Berger's digital illustrations are filled with the bright colors that scream comics, though there aren't as many sound effect balloons as one might expect from a superhero story. Both characters are white. Ready to fight boredom in a single bound, at least for a few minutes. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.