Learn the alphabet from A-Z with mighty superheroes! Silly and zany, and armed with the most unusual skills, the cast of superheroes that fill these pages will make learning ABCs an out-of-this-world experience. Meet B ubble-Man, who b lows b ig b ubbles at b ullies; L aughing L ass, who l aughs l oudly at l awbreakers; and many more hilarious and irresistible characters from renowned comic-book illustrator Bob McLeod. Drawn in comic-book style, this picture book is perfect for fans of DC Super Heroes ABC 123 by David Bar Katz. Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2–An alphabets worth of superheroes, from Astro-Man to the Zinger. Theres strong appeal here for the youngest comic-book fans, with many doses of humor along the way. Each figure has special powers, of course, which readers learn about through alliterative captions and action-packed illustrations. Danger Man, for instance Does Daring Deeds Every Day. A spread shows how He Duels with Dragons against a futuristic landscape filled with bright greens, reds, and pinks. The added information that He Doesnt Have a Dog! contributes to the lighthearted tone while extending the alliteration, which effectively emphasizes letter sounds. Many of the characters possess traditionally heroic powers, like Ms. Incredibles ability to become Invisible In an Instant. Others are sillier, such Laughing Lass and Upside Down Man (who wears his Uniform Under His Underwear), while the Odor Officer and the Volcano (he Vomits on Villains) add just the right touch of grossness. There are several females in the bunch, along with one child (Sky-Boy), one animal (Power Pup), and two teens (The Tiny Teen and Tony Terrific, who are Twins). The cartoon illustrations show the figures in action with bold colors, word balloons, and block letters in an attractive comic-book style. Imaginative readers might be inspired to imagine their own alphabetical creations to add to the ranks of Goo Girl, Huge Man, and Multiplying Mike.– Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. *Starred Review* K-Gr. 3. In this ABC book turbocharged with fun for both new and capable readers, McLeod lines up a roster of superheroes kids won't find in existing cartoons or comic book: Astro-Man, "Always Alert for an Alien Attack" despite his asthma; Goo Girl, whose weapon of choice is Great Gobs of Goo; and Odor Officer, monitor of playground farts. McLeod, who has decades of experience drawing for major comics from Marvel and others , has chosen a theme that is well suited to the ABC format, as each entry's alliterative annotation seems entirely in keeping with the genre's usual predilection for stylized, faintly hokey text. Also borrowed straight from comics are the onomatopoeic outbursts ("GAA!" "QUUF!") and the skintight (though never overtly revealing) leotards worn by guys and gals alike. McLeod's adherence to such conventions is precisely what will draw comic-book fans, who will pore over the slick, dynamic compositions on oversize pages, and will savor the occasional, sly references to familiar characters. This book's superpower? It will dazzle reluctant readers and disappear right off the shelves. For occasions when demand exceeds availability, pull out Jeff Weigel's Atomic Ace (He's Just My Dad) (2004), also by a comics veteran. Jennifer Mattson Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved “Cleverly conceived ABC. One character is more inventive than the next. McLeod is a master at creating entertaining figures.” - Publishers Weekly “There’s strong appeal here for the youngest comic-book fans, with many doses of humor along the way.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “Engaging alphabet book whose characters embody the right mix of reassurance, goofiness, and humor.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “P might as well stand for the page-popping, large-scale Pictures that distinguish this ABC.” - Horn Book Magazine “A dazzling parade. Each character is deftly described. Stunning graphics. A sure hit that will fast become a favorite.” - Chicago Sun-Times “Turbocharged with fun for both new and capable readers. It will dazzle reluctant readers and disappear right off the shelves.” - Booklist (starred review) “This frothy mix of laughs, giggles and Good Guys zeroes in on its target audience with superhuman accuracy and action.” - Kirkus Reviews Silly and zany, and armed with the most unusual skills, these heroes are out to save the world-one letter at a time! bubble-Man blows big bubbles at bullies, and laughing lass laughs at lawbreakers! together, these one-of-a-kind defenders represent the ABC's in a way never seen before. Renowned comic-book illustrator bob mcleod has created a full cast of humorous and delightful characters, sure to please anyone in need of a hero to save the day. Bob Mcleod is a comic-book illustrator who has worked on such pr