Superhero

by Marc Tauss

Every kid wants to be a SUPERHERO!

Maleek may be a small boy in a big city, but he's no ordinary kid. He's a scientist and a superhero! So when his beloved city's parks and playgrounds mysteriously disappear, it's up to Maleek and his robot Marvyn to save the day.

Marc Tauss's mesmerizing black-and-white photo-illustrations bring every young superhero's fantasy to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Superheroes, African American, Childrens, Photography, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book, but I am always a little uncertain when I share it with a group. I feel like I have to explain some things to them because it might be outside of their understanding. But every time I read it, the kids really seem to enjoy it, whether or not they get it all.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anyone have opinions on using a b/w book for a toddler/pre-school storytime? I'd be interested in hearing your pros and/or cons.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just gorgeous. Tauss's black and white photography could almost tell the whole story, even without the light narration. Maleek and his robot assistant spring into action when the city's parks start to disappear. The story focuses on invention and science to save the day, rather than fights with bad guys. I love books that ask the reader to slow down and pay attention, and this is one of the best.

[betanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book want what the boy was hoping for, but I think he likes it. he was hoping for a Superman type book. I like the way the story tells kids that even they can be superheros by choosing to make a difference when and where we can.

The artwork in this book is great. There is a lot going on for the boy to look at while reading the story without distracting from the story. I imagine we will be borrowing this book from the library again in the future.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are making this week "make a difference" week. It all started with our quote of the month:

If you think you're too small to be effective, you've never been in the dark with a mosquito.

We talked about how kids can make a big difference, even though they're small. They're kind of like superheroes!

This book was totally real to them. Of course kids can be superheroes.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for STEM, ecology, environmental justice lessons as Maleek and his robot find a solution to urban sprawl. Wasn't sure my toddler loved it, but lo and behold he brought up Giganto Juice a few days later.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

My preschooler is a big fan of superheroes and books illustrated with photographs rather than drawings so this book was a big hit. I found it a little silly and illogical, but did like the cyberpunk feel to it, and will never say no to more urban greenery and flowers.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has very cool photography.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different & fun! The black & white photographic illustrations are enjoyable to look at. The story is nice too -- the story's hero uses his science lab to solve the problem of the day.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect choice for little boys who like to dress up as superheros. The layout matches perfectly with the 'gotham' feel of the story.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maleek adores comic books and he has to figure out what happened to the park. Gidundo juice helps revive the area. Black and white photography furthers the story.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

We checked this out from the library and they've asked for it every night. The photos are fantastic and the central character adorable. finding superheroes with brown skin is like striking gold.

[Keenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my 8 year old son. We both thought it was average. The photo collages are very cool though.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

From front and back covers to awesome end papers to funny, funky story, this was a wonderful read! Kids LOVE it, and I love Maleek!

[Drusilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast book. Pulls interest through boy superhero who solves a current problem. Shows strength and imagination. Fun. HILL

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute look inside the creative mind of a young comic book fan.

[Savannah Atwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be a great tool to teach children about healthy sibling relationships.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff: African American boy who is a reader, imagination, photographs, science, and urban setting. My great nephew, Chase, is getting a copy of this book.

[Jennifer Stoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My preschooler who loves superheroes liked this, though she was a little turned off by what I thought was the best part of the book, which was the gorgeous photography and deep detail.

[Kymberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the pictures but the written was very lacking. I was expecting more of a story.

[Marjorie Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maleek is a superhero, scientist, inventor and just a kid!!