SuperHero ABC



Last updated Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Author: Bob McLeod
Illustrator: Bob McLeod
Date of Publication: 2006
ISBN: 9780060745141
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2011

Synopsis: From School Library Journal
An alphabets worth of superheroes, from Astro-Man to the Zinger. Theres 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 Doesnt 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. Incredibles 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.

Note to readers:
•  Don’t worry if you don’t finish the book. If you can get a discussion going about Superheroes, then continue with that.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is your favorite Superhero?
•  What are you really good at?
•  Is this your Superpower?
•  What Superpower would you like to have?

Vocabulary

•  Vile- disgusting or highly offensive
•  Jaywalker – to cross the street in the middle of the block, not at an intersection.
•  Quiver – To shake with a slight but rapid motion.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you see a pattern in the words on each page? (The first letter of most words starts with the corresponding letter.)
•  Can you come up with other words that start with that letter?
•  When your name starts with the letter on the page you can repeat the description. Bobby can say, “Bubble-Man Blows Big Bubbles at Bullies.”
•  Do you know what is a Firefly? Why wouldn’t she need a flashlight?
•  Power Pups: Do you have any pets?

Craft ideas:
•  Superhero mask
•  Draw and cutout the first letter of your name and create your own Superhero based on it.
•  Draw a Superhero.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!