Review by LARANDLAND -- Toni the Superhero by R.D. Base

[LARANDLAND]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Toni the Superhero" by R.D. Base.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When you think of a superhero, you often think of someone with superpowers and extreme strength. Nevertheless, R.D. Base did an excellent job of making a little boy a superhero in his own right in Toni the Superhero. With this perfectly edited book, we are able to understand how the completion of everyday task could make any child a superhero.

Toni the superhero includes wonderful illustrations by Debbie Hefke which guide this book along the way. I enjoy the way that the Hefke not only illustrates the child in a superhero costume, but also in his everyday clothing in order to make this character more relatable.

One thing that is likeable about this book is that it does not talk about a kid needing superhuman strength or powers to be a superhero. One thing that may not be as appealing in the book is that it utilizes required daily living activities such as sleeping and eating to categorize the little boy as a hero. Toni the superhero could have added a few more daily activities, such as eating fruits and vegetables, making his bed, helping a sibling, caring and sharing, in order to illustrate more activities that could make a child a superhero. However, it is understandable that the author wanted to keep the words simple for younger audiences to be able to read and understand.

Toni the superhero is an easy-read children's book that is relatable to all children and includes identifiable images. It also appeals to the African American audience which appears to be the nationality of Toni. I would recommend that young children read Toni the superhero and try to see themselves as a superhero. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for showing a young African American boy as a superhero just by being himself.

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Toni the Superhero
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