Review: Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS

by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Eda Kaban

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book

ages 3 to 9

40 pages

When Superheroes don’t get their way,

when they’re sad, when they’re mad, when they’ve had a bad day . . .
. . . they COULD super-tantrum, they COULD but they DON'T,
because REAL Superheroes just WOULDN'T—they WON'T!


All kids have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes—even young superheroes! But what do they do when they’re having a bad day? Colorful action-packed illustrations and a dynamite rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes (and ordinary children, too) can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they’re sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid. From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book has plenty of fun ideas to help kids cope when they’re feeling overwhelmed. 

MY TIDBITS

Packed full of power, this book grabs kids' attention, while showing them how to handle sour emotions without blowing up the entire world in the process.

Superheroes have bad days, but if they throw a tantrum even super villains  have to run and hide. Through action packed illustrations, the problems superheroes have to control their bad emotions becomes crystal clear. But they do it  (after all, they are superheroes) and this book gives a peek into their emotion controlling secrets.

The front and back inside cover show each of the eight superheroes depicted in this book and give them a name, so that kids can get to know each one a little better. On the first page kids are greeted with a scene that hits home--a superhero is angry and lets it out on something he shouldn't. No worries. Despite anger and depressive super outbursts, this book is perfect for kids ages three and up.

The text is kept to a minimum, offering only a few lines of rhyme over the pages. It's not always the smoothest read and at times a bit odd, but the message is brought over clear and in a way which is sure to make kids smile or wrinkle their forehead in thought.

The illustrations are superhero worthy--colorful, full of action, and make it clear what's going on. The extra details insure that kids will find new things when they flip through the pages again and again. Which they will.

The ending offers quick, subtle ways in which superheroes deal with their emotions. These are sure to inspire kids as well.

Summed up, this is a clever way to teach kids how to handle bad emotions. Especially boys will love diving into this action packed world and will enjoy explosions, super speed and maybe a little more patience.


And here they are. . .
SHELLY BECKER!!!

Shelly is the author of Mine! Mine! Mine! (Sterling), which has appeared on several lists showcasing the best books that teach the concept of "sharing" (including newspapers, the PBS/Sesame Street website, and more). Shelly has also written more than 15 children's novelty books for Tormont, and sold stories and poems to Highlights for Children and Hopscotch for Girls magazine. She lives in Montreal, Canada.

EDA KABAN!!!

Eda has done work that can be seen in gallerie throughout California and in a variety of publications. Her illustrations have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Creative Quarterly,  and 3x3. She was born and raised in Turkey and lives in San Francisco, CA.