Batman's Guide to Crime and Detection

Learn about fingerprints and other tools of the crime fighting trade along with Batman! We recommend the DK Readers series. Our sons -- ages 5 and 4 -- really enjoy reading about superheroes, so we use that interest to introduce them to other topics (see my listmania list and other reviews). Each of these books offers several graphics on each page. The information is arranged in brief chapters with lots of USA Today-style sidebars. We also have the "I Can Read" books for young readers which we use for bedtime reading. The Level 4 books are more difficult and are better shared a few pages at a time. These make a great spring board for weekend science projects and activities. We also own: Green Lantern's Book of Great Inventions Aquaman's Guide to the Ocean The Flash's Book of Speed Incredible Hulk Book of Strength

We checked this book out from our library for my youngest son, who is nearly 5, because he LOVES superheroes. Now, I am EXTREMELY scrutinous over which literature and shows pertaining to superheroes my children are allowed to watch as I believe most of this type of media is overly mature and the graphics are definitely adult oriented. Although this does feature some sophisticated sketches of Batman and some of his arch enemies, it all serves a very REAL purpose! This book features a brief (1-2 pages) historical overview of who Batman is, then the rest of the book describes the tools that Batman uses and how they translate to real life heroes - crime detectives and their labs!!! How great is that???? My oldest son (7), who is obsessed with learning about community heroes: Police, Firefighters, Military Heroes, etc. has consumed this book and is now keeping a "journal" of questions and sketches inspired from this book. This is a must for little boys of all ages, as it really helps them formulate a translation for all that imagination and excitement that superheroes generate.