Superheroes Always Fight Back…Or Do They? is an empowering, humorous picture book that shows children how kindness can be a superpower. The superheroes in the story all have special strengths and attributes but ultimately it is their kindness that helps stop ‘baddies’ being bad.
The Story: Arthur lives next door to a ‘baddie’ who laughs when he falls down, ruins his games, and calls him names. He dreams of being a superhero so that he can banish her back to where she belongs. But Grandpa shows Arthur that he doesn’t need superpowers to handle a bully and encourages him to be kind instead. When super kind Arthur confronts the ‘baddie’ in her lair he is surprised and delighted by the result.
Arthur and Grandpa have a wonderful relationship and are both characters that children can easily relate to, we love the way that Grandpa is so encouraging. He explains to Arthur that although the superheroes, Gizmo Girl, Giggle Quake and Super SoundWave, (such brilliant names!) have different personalities and strengths – gadget-tastic, tough and fearless – they kindly help to solve the problems that make bullies behave the way they do. I love the way that potential reasons for bullying are shown and the way that the superheroes help through listening, food and games.
Superheroes Always Fight Back…Or Do They? is a fast paced story with an easy to read rhyme. Clare Elsom’s vibrant illustrations are bold and colourful and we love the characters’ costumes – particularly the superhero hamster and the ‘baddie’ next door neighbour’s spider legs.
We love the final spread that shows how Arthur discovers that true power can be found in kindness. This story shows readers big and small that an act of kindness is a superpower and even a small show of kindness can change somebody’s day.
Superheroes Always Fight Back…Or Do They? is a fabulous book to encourage discussions about being kind and how to deal with bullies. It’s the perfect book for an early years / key stage one classroom.
Age Range: 3+
Author: Kate Thompson / Illustrator: Clare Elsom
Thank you to Wellbeck Children’s for sending a review copy of Superheroes Always Fight Back…Or Do They?, it’s a great sequel to Superheroes Don’t Get Scared.
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