Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Manny and Gertie are cape-wearing superheroes saving the planet from danger every weekend. They battle imaginary adversaries all over town-dinosaurs at the museum, lions at the library, veggie monsters at the farmer's market, and a yeti right in their backyard. But their most epic battles take place in the park. While they're fighting giant turtles from Neptune, a plastic six-pack ring around a real turtle's neck spurs Manny and Gertie into action fighting their worst foes yet: litterbugs. Despite not understanding why no one else seems to care, the mighty, awesome duo get to work. Soon their hard work inspires others to be heroes and help clean up, too. By sunset, the litterbugs have been defeated (for now), and Manny and Gertie are happy "because every superhero needs a planet worth saving." DiPucchio's text captures all the fun, enthusiasm, and power in being part of a superhero team. Graegin uses the technique that was so successful in Manny Takes a Stand by combining the real and imaginary characters in her illustrations. This along with a mix of full-page spreads, white space, and dynamic text placement creates the perfect complement to the narrative. VERDICT This second Manny story is just as successful as the first. It tackles personal responsibility, littering, friendship, and the joys of imaginary play in a realistic, nonpreachy manner. An entertaining and inspiring read-aloud choice.-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH © Copyright 2018. 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
Raccoon Manny (Super Manny Stands Up!) and hedgehog Gertie go around town "saving the planet from danger" every weekend. The pals inspire others to help clean up the litter-filled park because, "every superhero needs a planet worth saving." An earthy color palette and imaginative, proactive characters help make this a positive storytime choice for Earth Day and every day. (c) Copyright 2019. 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
Super Manny (Super Manny Stands Up!, 2017) returns to tackle an important environmental concern.Inventive raccoon Manny and his hedgehog sidekick, Gertie ("Small One" from the duo's previous outing), meet every weekend to rid the world of dangerous foes. They snap on their capes and proclaim: "We are mighty! / We are awesome! / We are tough! / We are smart!" They wrestle menacing veggies at the farmers market, save the museum from stampeding dinosaurs, and befriend a 12-foot-tall purple yeti who just wants to play. Throughout, the creatures they imagine are rendered in translucent monochrome tones, differentiating them from the full-color real world the children move through. The most difficult monsters are often found in the park. While in the middle of a daring rescue to save the pond from alien space turtles, Manny and Gertie see a real turtle with a plastic soda ring around its neck. They take a look around and realize the whole park is covered with trash. It must be the work of litterbugs! (Tiny, frowning, brown imaginary insects stomp around, messing everything up.) However, more alarmingly, no one else seems to notice or care. Fighting apathy just might be the most difficult battle Manny and Gertie have ever faced.A gentle lesson to always listen to your inner hero and help others do the same. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
