De superheldenschool

by Thierry Robberecht

At Superhero School every little superhero is good at something: some can spit fire, some can walk through walls, and some can fly—and then there is Henry. He’s popular with his fellow students because he’s funny and a prankster, but his teachers can’t quite see his talents and wonder if he is really superhero material. One day a gigantic monster appears and all the children try out their best talents to stop it from smashing the school, but nothing seems to work. Henry figures out a solution and only then knows his own talent. A super-sized, super-fun story, this book proves that everyone has their own talent and that wisdom and humor can often be far more important than strength.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Superheroes, Childrens, Humor

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Barbara VA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to include it in this years list again, because as I posted it before I have read it this year so many times I cannot keep track! MY 5 year old grand daughter is obsessed. WE talk about Henry all the time, and what she has learned about being good at things. She has learned to look for unexpected talents in herself and her friends and to not be judgmental! Hooray for her!!

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This familiar tale of a seemingly "unspecial" main character who manages to save the day is dressed up with superheroes, and a lovable monster. It's sure to please kids, but I was not elated.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun idea, but it could be executed in a much stronger and more interesting way. The book just fell flat for me.

[Robbi C · Rating 2 out of 5]

My gripes:
The illustrations of the monster didn't match. At one point, it says the monster roared but he only appears mildly annoyed. On many pages, he even seems to be smiling!

Henry is, by all means, a troublemaker. While it's obvious to readers that he acts out because he doesn't feel like he's as good at school at his peers. But, once he gets his self esteem booster by tackling the monster, the book simply states that despite Henry's original feelings of inadequacy, he's really the best superhero in school... WHAT?! Why can't he just realize that he really did have a super power to be proud of and embrace that?!

My likes:
Fun idea!

[Joenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Superhero School every little superhero is good at something: some can spit fire, some can walk through walls, and some can fly—and then there is Henry. He’s popular with his fellow students because he’s funny and a prankster, but his teachers can’t quite see his talents and wonder if he is really superhero material. One day a gigantic monster appears and all the children try out their best talents to stop it from smashing the school, but nothing seems to work. Henry figures out a solution and only then knows his own talent.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: Superhero Henry is a prankster who saves the day with a funny trick to stop the monster. They have one female and two male superhero teachers. 1 of 7 student heroes is a girl, a different 1 of 7 isn't white. Everyone is fully clothed: no skimpy costumes! The monster gets shipped back to outer space rather than hurt (but he looks scared on his rocket).

Cons: Clever trick is the last resort after kids try what should have been more lethal methods.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henry is the worst at school and then defeats the monster. eh. If he was accepted into Superhero school then he should have some good qualities. Maybe good idea for a book, poor execution. There are other better superhero books out there, as well as better books on the theme of being special and helpful.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

WHY DOES THE MONSTER LOOK LIKE COOKIE MONSTER. A deranged one---maybe---but I still feel like I was subliminally being told the Cookie Monster is bad. :D There was something missing---because I didn't feel the storyline was interesting enough to hold my attention...

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 5-year-old wasn't interested in this book but he's also not interested in superhero's.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would work well with a superhero school themed program for 2015's summer reading program

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry begins to wonder if he really belongs at Superhero School since he has no special powers.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was long. I should've shortened it, but it went okay.