From Publishers Weekly
What's a family of superheroes to do when their progeny is slow to develop his flying skills? Graham (Benny; Queenie) introduces just this dilemma in his sweetly silly picture book about discovering one's specialness. Caped crime fighters Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt can't wait for their young son Max to accompany them on their daring, do-good missions. But although he wears his tights, mask and cape well, Max hasn't mastered the superhero flight patterns. Enthusiastic coaching and coaxing from his parents and grandparents don't help. Neither does teasing from the kids at school ("Why don't you do tough things like your mom and dad?"). But when a helpless baby bird needs rescuing, Max's superhero genes suddenly kick into gear. Themes of patience, acceptance and self-confidence get a lift in this humorous tale with a satisfying resolution. The superhero home life that unfolds via Graham's chipper ink-and-watercolor artwork, in cartoon-like panels as well as full spreads, is particularly entertaining. Scenes of Captain Lightning shaving and getting dressed, and Grandma and Grandad (in superhero garb) relaxing on lawn chairs in front of the family's lightning-bolt-shaped house are laugh-out-loud funny. Ages 4-7. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-Max has been born into a family of superheroes, but, despite his cape, mask, and his parents' encouragement, he just can't seem to get the hang of flying. By the time he starts school, he still prefers the ground, and even his classmates' taunts don't prod him to change. However, when a baby bird falls from its nest, Max throws caution (and thoughts of himself) to the wind and leaps to save the fledgling, the first step toward his becoming "a small hero doing quiet deeds." Now Max flies all around and spends his days quietly helping others and, sometimes, flying around with his parents just for the fun of it. The simple, straightforward story has just a slight dose of tension provided by Max's grandfather, who is baffled by his grandson's reluctance to fly. However, the support and acceptance the boy receives from his parents are heartwarming and reassuring. The colorful ink-and-watercolor cartoon illustrations are the strength of the book. Done in a mix of comic-strip boxes and full-page spreads, they give the story an appealing look and feel, and clearly reinforce the play between fantasy and reality. Storytime listeners are sure to delight in the masked faces of Max's parents, Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, and his slightly lumpy, superhero grandparents. A welcome, gentle look at the world of superheroes.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
