Review by Booklist Review
WHEN must a superhero respond? ALWAYS to a call for help! (Even if the odds are against him.) This is only rule number one. The additional nine rules make something else clear: Saving the day is messy. Superheroes have special powers. (Captain Magma has lava vision and a friendly personality.) Superheroes must do good, might be forced to make a lot of noise, need tasty snacks and an occasional nap, are always brave (well, ALMOST always), save innocent victims, and, finally, they need a sidekick. The little boy (and Captain Magma's best friend) claims that his mother doesn't always understand how important all these guidelines are, as he meets the various challenges playing with his toy action figures. Illustrated in colorful gouache, each full color page depicts the fun and adventures to be had with his super friend. Compare this to Mini Grey's Traction Man Is Here! (2005) a superhero from across the pond.--Gepson, Lolly Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
As a boy plays sidekick to his beloved Captain Magma action figure, he formulates a set of rules that both celebrate the superhero life and justify his own not-always-exemplary behavior, whether it's littering the living room with toys ("Rule Number 2: Saving the day is messy. But everyone understands") or escaping a scary bee ("Rule Number 8: A superhero is always brave. Well, almost always"). Pilutti (The Twelve Days of Christmas in Michigan) has a terrific sense of space, but what's most refreshing is how she defines her characters and their relationship. Instead of opting for braggadocio and mock high drama, Pilutti's duo's self-awareness and low-stakes theatrics have an offhanded, almost improvisational vibe. Accused of being afraid of the bee, Lava Boy, hiding his head under his cape, is quick to point out, "I'm not, but Captain Magma is." And after Lava Boy extols Captain Magma's superpowers ("He is really strong, has lava vision, and a friendly personality"), Captain Magma thinks, "It's true, but I do wish I could fly." Ages 4-7. Agent: Jennifer Rofe, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-This story illuminates the fantasy world of one little boy and his favorite toy, Captain Magma. Together, they are Lava Boy and Captain Magma, an unstoppable duo committed to rescuing others, setting a good example, and being brave in a world that doesn't always understand them. The book does not have a traditional narrative. Rather, the 10 rules of being a superhero provide the framework for the story and much of the humor. The gouache illustrations are colorful and engaging, and children will enjoy the humorous speech bubbles throughout. From responding to a call for help and using one's powers for good to having tasty snacks on hand to keep in top form and saving the day, these rules will appeal to young superheroes (and their sidekicks) everywhere.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Well, that's handy: the ten rules of being a superhero are great rules for kids as well (number seven: "Superheroes must rest so that they can recharge"). The rules, demonstrated by (toy) Captain Magma and (owner/sidekick) Lava Boy, don't add up to more than the sum of their parts, but they set up cool vignettes and a terrific visual joke using perspective. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
There are 10 rules of being a superhero, but the second is the most important: "Saving the day is messy." By the end of this book, Captain Magma has been lifted into the sky by a bird, dropped in a nest and carted around in a wheelbarrow full of dirt. Captain Magma is only a few inches tall, and he's made of plastic, so he has to be carried around by his young sidekick, Lava Boy, who runs around the playroom in an adorable red cape and mask. The illustrations of the playroom are the highlight of the book. Pilutti has painted every toy a child could want: robots and monkeys and a green troll with hair like a firecracker. The room is so cluttered with colorful toys that readers may not know where to rest their eyes. Unfortunately, this means that large portions of the book involve sweeping and keeping the house tidy. Readers may wonder if some of the rules were created by an adult to send a wholesome message to kids. Take rule seven: "Superheroes must rest so that they can recharge." Children may prefer the rules that involve tasty snacks; Captain Magma's battle cry is "Cookies for all!" This book is starchier than a superhero story ought to be, but almost everyone will agree with rule 10: "[S]aving the day is more fun with a friend." (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
