Review by Vickie Noel -- Toni the Superhero by R.D. Base

[Vickie Noel]

[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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Matthew 18:3 - “…unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens.” - New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

On this premise, it is unsurprising that children are teachers, and I received my very first lesson from the cover page of Toni the Superhero. Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by all the duties needing accomplishment such that we wind up frustrated. The bright smile permeating Toni’s face despite the chores surrounding him is a subtle, personal reminder that I needn’t get grumpy when tasks are numerous.

In the book’s description on OBC, R. D. Base intimates potential readers as to the ideology behind its creation, which will evolve into a series down the line. Toni the Superhero is a children’s book targeted at early readers who haven’t quite grasped the art of reading yet. It is also designed to give a head start to toddlers who haven’t even begun the reading journey. This is to be achieved by using simple, repetitive sentences. As a result, Toni the Superhero is a very short book, spanning across 20 pages on my Kindle and lacking an actual plot. Nonetheless, it tells about a young superhero who has a life outside hero duties. He’s a regular kid, and he enjoys doing the things his peers love to do like playing, dancing and eating! However, there are other activities some kids would make a fuss about. How does Toni feel about those?

One thing that strengthens my appreciation of this book is its rich, vibrant colours. I consider them eye-popping enough to want to reach out and grab some tantalizing fruits right off the page! I can imagine many a child beseeching an eager mother to provide just what Toni’s eating, possibly for lunch or any other meal at the period when the book is being examined. Evidently, Debbie Hefke has done a top-notch job with the book’s illustrations.

Today, it is not uncommon to see children display a mean attitude toward animals, especially when they feel they can get away with it. Toni’s heroic act of saving the cat is a delicate hint to these young, impressionable minds that all life is valuable.

In addition, the friendship Toni basks in with children from varying backgrounds clearly relays the theme of multiculturalism. I think this will help kids maintain their innocence regarding racial discrimination while serving as a visible guide to any slightly-forgetful adult.

Lastly, I like how involved Toni is when it comes to household chores. Frequently, parents’ efforts in ensuring their children’s comfort get either forgotten or taken for granted. On the contrary, Toni does not hide under the umbrella of “saving the world” to beg off from helping his mother willingly. He contributes his quota, thereby displaying gratitude for her love and care. He is indeed a worthy role model for the little ones.

I rate Toni the Superhero 4 out of 4 stars. There were no grammatical errors. I really appreciate the book’s brevity in relation to its intended goal of stimulating fluency in reading. Parents and teachers of children in the early years are welcome to integrate this learning material into their resources.

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Toni the Superhero
View: on Bookshelves | on Smashwords

Like Vickie Noel's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Manang Muyang]

Parents would love to have their kids help in the house. Here's hoping RD Base produces many Tonis among the children of today.

[Vickie Noel]

I agree! That, certainly, would be useful to many parents today. Thanks for stopping by!

[Espie]

We could all be superpersons even through our ordinary ways, especially to those in whose lives we are indispensable and irreplaceable. This book really seems to have more lessons for adults, not just kids, than what I initially thought possible. Indeed, we all could learn from everyone even from those we don't expect that to be.

Thank you for your candid review.

[Kelyn]

Wouldn't we all love to be able to face our everyday lives and the chores that go with them with a smile on our face? Here's hoping that this book will bring us one step closer to imparting that ability to our children, even if we are still working on it ourselves. I also love that the book includes a multicultural theme. Thanks for the great review!!

[Vickie Noel]

We could all be superpersons even through our ordinary ways, especially to those in whose lives we are indispensable and irreplaceable. This book really seems to have more lessons for adults, not just kids, than what I initially thought possible. Indeed, we all could learn from everyone even from those we don't expect that to be.

Thank you for your candid review.

Well said, Espie. Thanks for reading and commenting.

[Vickie Noel]

Wouldn't we all love to be able to face our everyday lives and the chores that go with them with a smile on our face? Here's hoping that this book will bring us one step closer to imparting that ability to our children, even if we are still working on it ourselves. I also love that the book includes a multicultural theme. Thanks for the great review!!

I agree! Thanks for stopping by.

[M Zee]

This book looks so cute! I'll have to add it to my recommendation list for parents with small children.Thanks for the review!

[Vickie Noel]

This book looks so cute! I'll have to add it to my recommendation list for parents with small children.Thanks for the review!

Thanks for reading and commenting, M Zee!

[T_stone]

I've also added this book to my list of TBR books. I've seen so many nice reviews about it; your own inclusive. Toni's act of heroism is one thing even adults can learn from. Thanks for the honest review.

[Kibet Hillary]

This is an enthralling review especially on your ability to analyze the book and get lessons right from the cover page. This is a nice book indeed and it can be a source of great lessons for kids. Thanks for the review.

[Vickie Noel]

I've also added this book to my list of TBR books. I've seen so many nice reviews about it; your own inclusive. Toni's act of heroism is one thing even adults can learn from. Thanks for the honest review.

Awww, I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for checking out my review and commenting!

[Vickie Noel]

This is an enthralling review especially on your ability to analyze the book and get lessons right from the cover page. This is a nice book indeed and it can be a source of great lessons for kids. Thanks for the review.

Such kind words are deeply appreciated, thanks for reading!

[Connie Otwani]

Such a short book - and yet the lessons are many, for both adults and children. You have expounded these lessons well. Great review!

[Vickie Noel]

Such a short book - and yet the lessons are many, for both adults and children. You have expounded these lessons well. Great review!

I'm grateful you took out time to pop in here. Thanks heaps!