4 out of 4 stars
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Toni the Superhero" by R.D. Base
Toni is no ordinary boy, he is a superhero, and he has many tasks to do. But some of his tasks are ordinary everyday tasks, when he is not too busy saving the world. Toni shares his secret double life as a superhero and an ordinary young boy who enjoys many activities. Toni does a lot of helpful and fun tasks as a superhero with a normal life, including reading, playing and helping with the housework, and he makes them into fun superhero tasks, thus encouraging young readers to identify with Toni and think of these everyday tasks and activities as special and superhero tasks. Encouraging them to take part and feel like 'superheroes' themselves.
This is a delightful short children's book for younger children, only 30 pages of brief text and illustrations, and would be perfect for a bed time reading book, encouraging interaction between a parent or carer and their child. It is also ideal for children beginning to read and provides a fun and useful start in learning to read, by keeping the text short and simple with good illustrations. Most children want super powers or supernatural ability, and so they will easily identify with Toni and possibly take on board his willingness to read and to help with chores and participate fully in activities.
The illustrations are snazzy, sharp and humorous, they are well done and complement the story well. Toni is a happy and lively young superhero and a great role model for children. The story keeps things simple and easy to read by not having a plot but simply following Toni's activities in simple sentences and showing that a superhero can be very normal and enjoy everyday activities.
I like the fact that this book is obviously an interactive book to be read to younger children by adults, and to encourage children learning to read to participate. It is a nice short length, ideal for bed time and a brief child and adult interaction time. There is nothing I don't like about the story. I like the scene where Toni is reading but manages a superhero task at the same time, and I am sure children will also find it amusing.
This book looks as if it will be part of a series in the same vein, encouraging children with everyday activities. A very good idea. I thought that this was a very nice little book with good illustrations, it is upbeat and encouraging as well as interactive, the illustrations are nice, and I could find no errors in spelling or grammar, so I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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Toni the Superhero
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