The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Weitzman, Jacqueline Preiss

Superhero Joe

32 pp. | Simon/Wiseman | September, 2011 | Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-9157-1 $16.99

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Barrett. Because his parents need his help, Joe--with his "Torch of Radiance" (flashlight), "Shield of Invincibility" (trash-can lid), and "Cape of Confidence" (bath towel)--overcomes his fear of the "Darkest Depths" (basement) to retrieve the "Staff of Power" (mop). The text is a little self-aware, but the setup is entertaining. Menacing furniture and clothing populate the shadowy corners of the comic book–style illustrations.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden