I Just Want to Be Super! - by Andrew Katz (Hardcover)

Number of Pages: 32
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Imagination & Play
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Crackboom! Books
Age Range: Baby - 3 Years
Author: Andrew Katz
Language: English

Book Synopsis

A super story for anyone who wants to be a superhero. -Kirkus Reviews

Winner of the 2021 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the category of Picture Books - Ages 4-8

One morning, Nino finds a mask that gives him amazing powers. He can't wait to blast into action! But no one will let him do all the super things he wants to do. Instead, everybody tells him stuff like Put away your dishes. Get dressed. Be CAREFUL.

Will Nino ever get the chance to show how super he can be?

With empathy, humor and exuberant imagination, dynamic writer-illustrator duo Andrew Katz and Tony Luzano tell a story all children will relate to, one about stretching their limits and discovering just what it means to be super.

Fans of Calvin (Calvin and Hobbes), Max (Where The Wild Things Are) and any kid with LOTS of energy will discover a kindred spirit in Nino. There are also character education lessons here, perfect for discussions both in the classroom and at home, on learning to use strength in a way that is positive and conscious of others.

Review Quotes

FROS KIRKUS REVIEWS: After gaining superpowers, Nino discovers what it really means to be super. When Nino tries on a superhero mask, he gains superpowers, suddenly soaring above the kitchen floor. When he tries to show Papa, he is told to put away his dishes. Nino uses his powers to put them away "SUPER style," even though he doesn't want to. And before he can use his superpowers to make art with his sister, Mama tells him to get dressed. "So he SHAZAMMED into his shirt and shorts." Throughout the day, Nino wants to use his powers for fun, but someone always diverts him. Finally, Nino loses his temper at the park because his father won't let him use his powers to throw a huge rock. When Nino faces a monster that has captured his cat, he discovers other ways to be super. Nino and his superpowers capture a child's energy and wild imagination even as his family demonstrates patience and reasonable boundary-setting. Nino's adventure, which kids can read as literal or imaginary as they will, shows that there are many different ways to be super, like showing empathy, helping others, making new friends, and being gentle. Nino's character will resonate with kids, capturing a child's perspective and emotions well. The appealing illustrations are fun and bold, exuding the super energy of the text, and present the whole family with brown skin and straight, black hair. A super story for anyone who wants to be a superhero.