Max and the Superheroes

Originally published in Spain, this superhero story celebrates a boy’s love for his mother. Max no longer waits for Halloween to dress up as a superhero—he “realizes that he doesn’t need a special occasion.” His favorite superhero, Megapower, is brave, strong, and able to “program computers, deactivate bombs, and control a million robots at once,” among other things. Of course, Max might be biased: Megapower puts on her “Mommy costume” every night to tuck him in. Malet skillfully employs a traditional comic format, complete with text blocks, while enumerating the superhero’s extensive skill set. Transitions to more free-form illustrations depict Megapower engaging her powers in everyday situations before the duo’s connection is revealed; her X-ray vision allows her to spot Max sneakily munching on a cupcake, and her ability to decipher secret codes makes her the perfect homework helper. Bonilla’s story will delight superhero fans while showcasing the ways in which parents can be heroes. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]