cover image Supermoms! (Animal Heroes #1)

Supermoms! (Animal Heroes #1)

Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, illus. by Jamie Harper. Candlewick, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5362-1797-1

A groundhog, strawberry poison frog, emperor penguin, and bearded capuchin monkey are just a few of the “supermoms” featured in this fact-filled, comics-style ode to real-life parental “heroes.” Informative text and humorous speech-bubble asides spotlight the impressive and surprising work that different maternal species do to support their young—providing food, homes, protection, transport, and valuable instruction. Harper’s textured digital and traditional collages, presented in panels throughout, portray the wildlife with big personalities. Two red-knobbed hornbill chicks hold and fan their beaks, gagging from the stench of the mud-and-poop seal their mom creates in their nest’s entrance. And a baby American alligator asks, “Ma, are you flossing?” as it crawls from its mom’s jaws, having ridden inside her mouth for transport. Most of the creatures’ efforts have a true wow factor that, combined with comedic commentary throughout, results in a super silly tribute to supermoms. Facts and further resources conclude. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)