Throughout the story he ponders many future careers, from tennis player to chef, dinosaur hunter to superhero. But he never makes a decision on which one he truly wants.
His owner, the pragmatic type, keeps up a running commentary on the suitableness of each career for Murphy’s temperament, finally coming to the conclusion that the best thing is for Murphy to be her dog.
Perkins illustrations of Murphy are charming and full of personality, adding colour and humour to Hornsey’s text, which occasionally left me thinking, ‘What a great idea! If only it had been phrased a little better’. I couldn’t shake the feeling that with a few more tweaks this could have gone from a perfectly fine book to a really brilliant one.
That said, the design of the book is very appealing and the story is sweet and endearing. The simplicity of the text and ‘when I grow up’ theme makes it’s ideal audience the under 6s.
A comforting book for bedtime, I Could Be a Superhero! paints a picture of a loving family, and lets kids know that while it’s great to have big dreams, the only thing you really need to be is yourself.
Title: I Could Be a Superhero!
Author: Chris Hornsey
Illustrator: Gwyn Perkins
Publisher: Little
Hare, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781921541186
For ages: 0 - 6
Type: Picture Book
