SuperJoe Does NOT Say Sorry

July 1, 2022
For the little superheroes among us who need a gentle reminder that apologizing can save the day. SuperJoe is an energetic, brown-skinned boy with dark locs who is up early for a big adventure. As SuperJoe imagines himself confronting invading aliens, he accidentally breaks his mom's favorite mug. When Dad asks SuperJoe to apologize, SuperJoe exclaims, "Superheroes don't say sorry--they're much too busy!" With his mess behind him, SuperJoe is off to his next escapade--rescuing a ship from a giant squid. Fearless Joe ties the tentacles in knots but leaves puddles on the bathroom floor for his dad to mop up. Who has time to clean when there's a dinosaur on the loose?! SuperJoe's enormous roar scares away the beast--and wakes up his baby sister. Though he again refuses to apologize, he can't hear any more of his superassignments because his baby sister is crying. He starts to feel awful and does something out of character. He goes into his sister's room, softly strokes his sister's cheek, and says sorry--a small act of compassion that inspires SuperJoe to pick up his toys, mop up his messes, and even fix his mom's favorite mug. The story is sweet, with a sound though never heavy-handed lesson. Filled with movement, Proctor's vibrant, digitally colored pencil illustrations leap off the page. (This book was reviewed digitally.) This fun little book with a big message is perfect for little readers. (Picture book. 5-7)

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October 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-SuperJoe is a superhero with too much to do. The one thing he doesn't have time for is his baby sister. After battling space aliens, a giant squid, and a dinosaur on the loose, SuperJoe is much too busy to help out at home. SuperJoe soon learns, however, that his superpowers are needed everywhere, especially domestically. A few of the British phrases like "listen out" or "spin round" may be a little confusing for young readers, but they will want to continue reading to find out how SuperJoe handles challenges at every turn. The bold colors and the action-packed illustrations are a treat for preschoolers, though some of the vocabulary will need a helpful adult. VERDICT Superheroes of color, unite! The message is a delight for all.-Darby Wallace

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