Superhero ABC

P might as well stand for the page-popping, large-scale Pictures that distinguish this ABC.

PreS-Gr 2 -An alphabet -s worth of superheroes, from Astro-Man to the Zinger. There -s strong appeal here for the youngest comic-book fans, with many doses of humor along the way. Each figure has special powers, of course, which readers learn about through alliterative captions and action-packed illustrations. Danger Man, for instance -Does Daring Deeds Every Day. - A spread shows how -He Duels with Dragons - against a futuristic landscape filled with bright greens, reds, and pinks. The added information that -He Doesn -t Have a Dog! - contributes to the lighthearted tone while extending the alliteration, which effectively emphasizes letter sounds. Many of the characters possess traditionally heroic powers, like Ms. Incredible -s ability to become -Invisible In an Instant. - Others are sillier, such Laughing Lass and Upside Down Man (who -wears his Uniform Under His Underwear -), while the Odor Officer and the Volcano (he -Vomits on Villains -) add just the right touch of grossness. There are several females in the bunch, along with one child (Sky-Boy), one animal (Power Pup), and two teens (The Tiny Teen and Tony Terrific, who are Twins). The cartoon illustrations show the figures in action with bold colors, word balloons, and block letters in an attractive comic-book style. Imaginative readers might be inspired to imagine their own alphabetical creations to add to the ranks of Goo Girl, Huge Man, and Multiplying Mike. -"Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR" Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

McLeod translates his adult comic book renderings for the preschool crowd in this cleverly conceived ABC. Drawn in vivid bright colors that capture the eye, his heroes practically leap from the pages. He represents each letter of the alphabet with an original superhero who saves the day by committing heroic acts that begin with -what else? -that very letter (e.g., "Astro-Man is Always Alert for An Alien Attack"). One character is more inventive than the next, from the "Quiet Knight [who] Keeps Kindergarten Kids safe" to the superhero Volcano (sporting a V on his chest and V-patterned shorts; he "Vomits on Villains"). McLeod is not only a master at creating entertaining figures, but also at introducing youngsters to vocabulary words that go beyond the average spelling list, and with phrases ideal for introducing alliteration ("Water-Woman Weaves below the Watery Waves"). In a single bound, McLeod is sure to gain a new generation of comic book fans -and may well entertain his lifelong followers as they introduce their offspring to this clever primer. Ages 3-6. "(Feb.)" Copyright 2006 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.