Catchpool, Michael. SuperJoe Does Not Do Cuddles. Emma Proctor, Illus. Picture Book. Lantana, 09/2021. [28]pp. $17.99. 978-1-911373-55-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-2.
Joe imagines he is a superhero who doesn’t need hugs from his mom until it is bedtime in this charming story that avoids being overly sentimental. Joe pretends to rescue bystanders from a tiger, a runaway train, and a collapsing bridge, using items mom gave him including a scarf and a belt. The full-color artwork shows Joe wearing a superhero costume and mask as he imagines his feats of heroism and also in his everyday interactions with mom. The digitally colored pencil artwork shows both Joe and his mom as Black and his nemesis the Gray Shadow as a white girl. This fun story will appeal to those who enjoy comics and superhero movies.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool