Super Sam!

This charming, simple tale of an adorable toddler, Petey, and his exuberant older brother, Sam, is told from Petey's perspective and packed with playful scenes that will remind small children of their own imaginary games. To play "Super Sam," Sam dresses up in bright red pants and a yellow top with a big "S" on the front and ties a light blue blanket around his neck for a cape. To Petey's obvious delight, Sam performs the usual superhero feats - i.e., "flying" (jumping from a chair to some cushions), showing his "strength" (lifting a toy truck high in the air), "leap[ing] tall buildings (piles of pillows), "climb[ing] the cliff" (their bunk bed) and "becom[ing] invisible" (hiding under a blanket). But can this superhero comfort a wailing Petey after Sam accidentally steps his finger while trying to "rescue" him from a stuffed bear? Rama's delightful, childlike illustrations in colored pencil, water-soluble crayon and watercolor make it worth your time to read the book and find out. Her simple illustrations are a perfect match for Ries' sparse text and make for great picture book for babies and toddlers. Highly recommended for ages 1 to 3.

Lori Ries' picture book taps into an age-old segment of family life: the big brother who seems like "superkid" to his younger sibling. And so..."Super Sam," who lifts toy trucks, leaps tall pillows, escapes teddy bears and, in the end, comes to little brother's rescue. Quick. Bouncy. Funny. Little siblings will love it. Solo kids will wish they had a super brother.