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Superhero Instruction Manual
Anyone can be a superhero and this guidebook will show you how! Just follow six easy steps and you’ll be saving the world in no time. Join an aspiring hero as he selects a secret identity, chooses a power, and much, much more. But be it isn’t easy being super. And sometimes the greatest acts of heroism need a helping hand to get off the ground. Kristy Dempsey’s rollicking text, coupled with Mark Fearing’s expressive, cartoon-style illustrations will have readers laughing all the way to infinity and beyond!
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Dempsey
11 books29 followersDirector of Creative Content
Children's Author:
ME WITH YOU (Philomel)
MINI RACER (Bloomsbury)
SURFER CHICK (Abrams)
A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT (Philomel)
SUPERHERO INSTRUCTION MANUAL (Knopf)
TEN LITTLE FINGERS, TWO SMALL HANDS (Little Bee)
A HOP IS UP (Bloomsbury)
TEN LITTLE TOES, TWO SMALL FEET (Little Bee)
PAPA PUT A MAN ON THE MOON (Dial, 2019)
Children's Author:
ME WITH YOU (Philomel)
MINI RACER (Bloomsbury)
SURFER CHICK (Abrams)
A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT (Philomel)
SUPERHERO INSTRUCTION MANUAL (Knopf)
TEN LITTLE FINGERS, TWO SMALL HANDS (Little Bee)
A HOP IS UP (Bloomsbury)
TEN LITTLE TOES, TWO SMALL FEET (Little Bee)
PAPA PUT A MAN ON THE MOON (Dial, 2019)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 26, 2016
What I like most about this book is how the text reads as a "how-to" while suggesting a story behind the words. That story is made perfectly whole by the illustrations. This book is an example of the perfect marriage of text and illustrations. And it has a subtle message about being "super" by doing ordinary good things.
July 21, 2019
Do you want to become a Superhero? Think you have what it takes to save the world? Then look no further than this seven-step guide to becoming the amazing, super-powered hero you're meant to be!
This entertaining picture-book taps into a child's longing to be a hero, presenting itself as a guide-book in the text, while the artwork paints a more in-depth portrait of a young boy's hilarious attempts to put its advice into action. Ignoring his eager younger sister, who clearly wants to join in his adventures, the boy attempts to create an alter-ego alone, with his dog as a side-kick. When things go wrong, however, it is that very little sister, scorned for so long, who demonstrates what a true hero is all about: helping others (even annoying elder brothers)...
Superhero Instruction Manual is a sweet little book, one which depicts a believably flawed young boy in a sympathetic way. As a little sister myself, I know that having younger siblings attempt to tag along is a ubiquitous annoying experience of older siblings, so I appreciated that aspect of the story, and that the boy is eventually reconciled to playing with his sister by her goodhearted and timely intervention in the crisis he has created. The artwork here is colorful and engaging, and suits the temper and tone of the tale quite well. All in all, a fun book, one I would recommend to anyone looking for stories about the childhood desire to be a superhero.
This entertaining picture-book taps into a child's longing to be a hero, presenting itself as a guide-book in the text, while the artwork paints a more in-depth portrait of a young boy's hilarious attempts to put its advice into action. Ignoring his eager younger sister, who clearly wants to join in his adventures, the boy attempts to create an alter-ego alone, with his dog as a side-kick. When things go wrong, however, it is that very little sister, scorned for so long, who demonstrates what a true hero is all about: helping others (even annoying elder brothers)...
Superhero Instruction Manual is a sweet little book, one which depicts a believably flawed young boy in a sympathetic way. As a little sister myself, I know that having younger siblings attempt to tag along is a ubiquitous annoying experience of older siblings, so I appreciated that aspect of the story, and that the boy is eventually reconciled to playing with his sister by her goodhearted and timely intervention in the crisis he has created. The artwork here is colorful and engaging, and suits the temper and tone of the tale quite well. All in all, a fun book, one I would recommend to anyone looking for stories about the childhood desire to be a superhero.
November 16, 2015
Really cute story. I love the illustrations, too.
December 22, 2016
Story: 5 stars
Art: 5 stars
Humorous how-to picture book. Boy reads a Superhero Instruction Manual and follows the steps to become a caped crusader. He discovers that defending the world is actually tougher than he thought, until he learns that kindness and everyday courtesy can save the day.
The illustrations contain an additional story line not mentioned in the text at all. The boy's younger sister wants to be a superhero too, and she proves that she's got what it takes. Illustration style complements the story perfectly. The text and pictures meld so well that it's hard to believe the author and illustrator are not the same person.
Art: 5 stars
Humorous how-to picture book. Boy reads a Superhero Instruction Manual and follows the steps to become a caped crusader. He discovers that defending the world is actually tougher than he thought, until he learns that kindness and everyday courtesy can save the day.
The illustrations contain an additional story line not mentioned in the text at all. The boy's younger sister wants to be a superhero too, and she proves that she's got what it takes. Illustration style complements the story perfectly. The text and pictures meld so well that it's hard to believe the author and illustrator are not the same person.
July 17, 2016
This is a must have for primary writers wishing to write a how-to book. This is a must-have mentor text!
July 23, 2016
Loved the incorporation of being a superhero can mean being kind.
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September 10, 2020Summary: This book is what you would think of when you would read a brochure on losing weight in 12 steps except this book is about how to become a superhero in seven easy steps. Each step requires something new that will take you closer and closer into becoming a superhero! All the steps seem so easy and fun until the end when it is finally time to take everything together and use everything you got. At the end the book is not what you would expect or should I say who you would expect.
Personal Thoughts: I really liked this book and thought it was a fun and easy read. That even though it was easy to read the pictures were so cute and well thought of. I can see from the very beginning of the story that things were not all they were meant to be. I think this is a fun read that any person can read boy or girl. I want this book to be on my future bookshelf for my class.
How I Will Use: I think I would use this book around halloween as just a fun way for kids to think of custom ideas but also a way to introduce them to a day of dressing up as superheroes. Maybe all the kids can dress up after reading this book and we can get together to do a service project to help others and be like superheroes for a day.
Personal Thoughts: I really liked this book and thought it was a fun and easy read. That even though it was easy to read the pictures were so cute and well thought of. I can see from the very beginning of the story that things were not all they were meant to be. I think this is a fun read that any person can read boy or girl. I want this book to be on my future bookshelf for my class.
How I Will Use: I think I would use this book around halloween as just a fun way for kids to think of custom ideas but also a way to introduce them to a day of dressing up as superheroes. Maybe all the kids can dress up after reading this book and we can get together to do a service project to help others and be like superheroes for a day.
March 4, 2017
Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? This "instruction manual" will teach you how to save the world in 7 easy steps. This book is goofy and full of energy, like many little aspiring superheroes. The author clearly understands her demographic. I wouldn't consider this an amazing feat of writing or illustrating, but I have no doubt it will be well loved by children in living rooms everywhere.
June 19, 2017
The kids instantly wanted this to be their bedtime story after looking at the title and cover picture.
The how-to instruction text is funny and I love how the words and illustrations work together to "make" this story.
Cute story that I think wanna-be superheroes and siblings can relate to.
This book would work well with a wide range of ages, from toddlers through elementary.
Another great book by Kristy Dempsey!
The how-to instruction text is funny and I love how the words and illustrations work together to "make" this story.
Cute story that I think wanna-be superheroes and siblings can relate to.
This book would work well with a wide range of ages, from toddlers through elementary.
Another great book by Kristy Dempsey!
January 27, 2018
Having read 10+ superhero books in search of just the right book for our PARP Superhero Reading night... I found one! Love it! Going to purchase for Kinder and First grade teachers to borrow too. They will love it for their "How-to" writing lessons.
June 4, 2018
Cute how to book with nice illustrations. It will be great to use as a model text for Writers Workshop for the how to genre and creating a plan in sequence so the writing makes more sense to the reader.
September 20, 2022
Fairly simple, but cute. The book outlines things needed to be a superhero (super name, sidekick, super disguise, etc.) and could be fun to have children craft their own superhero identity while reading the book. I think this may work well for a superhero-themed storytime.
October 13, 2017
Sarah 3y/o "it's super! I like when he used the towel for his cape"
Thomas 4y/o "it's super duper cool! This book has superheroes and I like superheroes"
Thomas 4y/o "it's super duper cool! This book has superheroes and I like superheroes"
October 9, 2017
In 7 easy steps, you can learn to be a superhero and save the world, or learn the attributes of little sisters. Shower curtain not included.
December 5, 2017
Super cute story to share with my second graders. They loved it!
December 7, 2017
Supercute and superfun!
February 24, 2018
Cute, but difficult to read aloud to a toddler.
September 18, 2018
Such a cute book about how to become a superhero.
November 2, 2018
Super cute book about how to be a super hero! My students really liked this one.
January 15, 2019
Of course my first book review of the year is a children's book. What a great book to begin the year with. I loved it!
October 19, 2023
Storytime Ideas: Superheroes
July 6, 2024
This was kind of cute and funny. An instruction manual with six steps on how to become a superhero. I liked the funny side comments and the illustrations.
November 19, 2024
Loved this book! What a fun premise. I LOVE the art! It's fun, funny and interesting. Do you have what it takes to be a hero?
February 22, 2017
Where was this the summer we had the super hero theme for summer reading?
Oh, well. I'm not sure I'd use this in story time anyway, because there are too many panels and details. While the boy is showing us how to become a super hero, there is a background story where his sister, clearly dismissed by the boy, ends up saving the day and being accepted as a fellow super hero. There are some snarky small print comments to amuse the grownups as well. Another one that will fly over the heads (so to speak) of younger readers, but will be appreciated by those old enough to wear a blanket cape and give themselves a cool superhero name.
Oh, well. I'm not sure I'd use this in story time anyway, because there are too many panels and details. While the boy is showing us how to become a super hero, there is a background story where his sister, clearly dismissed by the boy, ends up saving the day and being accepted as a fellow super hero. There are some snarky small print comments to amuse the grownups as well. Another one that will fly over the heads (so to speak) of younger readers, but will be appreciated by those old enough to wear a blanket cape and give themselves a cool superhero name.
November 13, 2016
Dempsey, Kristy Superhero Instruction Manual Illustrated by Mark Fearing Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. $16.99 PICTURE BOOK Content: G.
A little boy reads a superhero manual and follows the seven steps to becoming a superhero. All while he is planning, his little sister is watching and learning the steps as well. After he has finished the seven steps, his dog (the sidekick) breaks from his leash and causes a mess at the park. When the little boy’s sister steps in to help, he realizes that she is a superhero as well.
This book has cute bright illustrations. The lesson between the siblings is endearing. This is a fun addition to your superhero collection and has a great front cover that will grab young readers’ attention.
EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
A little boy reads a superhero manual and follows the seven steps to becoming a superhero. All while he is planning, his little sister is watching and learning the steps as well. After he has finished the seven steps, his dog (the sidekick) breaks from his leash and causes a mess at the park. When the little boy’s sister steps in to help, he realizes that she is a superhero as well.
This book has cute bright illustrations. The lesson between the siblings is endearing. This is a fun addition to your superhero collection and has a great front cover that will grab young readers’ attention.
EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
November 15, 2016
Dempsey, K., & Fearing, M. (2016). Superhero instruction manual. New York: Alfred A. Knopf
Summary: If you want to become a superhero, you must read the Superhero Instruction Manual. From choosing a superhero name to picking your powers, this manual tells you everything you need to know about becoming a successful superhero!
Activity: Students will fill in a template created by the teacher. Students will choose their superhero name, a partner, draw a disguise, draw a hideout, pick and write about 3-5 superpowers, write about how you will get your energy (what is your source of your power), describe how your superpowers will benefit the world!
-This could be part of a lesson on the ecosystem. Student's can be required to choose powers that will save the earth from things like pollution, etc.
Summary: If you want to become a superhero, you must read the Superhero Instruction Manual. From choosing a superhero name to picking your powers, this manual tells you everything you need to know about becoming a successful superhero!
Activity: Students will fill in a template created by the teacher. Students will choose their superhero name, a partner, draw a disguise, draw a hideout, pick and write about 3-5 superpowers, write about how you will get your energy (what is your source of your power), describe how your superpowers will benefit the world!
-This could be part of a lesson on the ecosystem. Student's can be required to choose powers that will save the earth from things like pollution, etc.
May 17, 2016
Youngsters often love superheroes and dream of being just like them. In humorous fashion, this picture book offers seven tips for how to become a superhero, including picking a sidekick and choosing you superpower. The text and illustrations, created with pencil and digital color, make it clear that there are lots of ways to be super and that sometimes quiet but reliable actions are just as important as having extraordinary powers. I liked the final image with the boy, his sister, and their dog sharing a cookie in his formerly off limits--to sisters--tree house. Fans of superheroes or even those who simply want to do something that will bring them notice will enjoy this picture book.
March 30, 2017
Cute. Humor that school-age will love. Preschool as well. Could try in storytime--they might miss a few humor details in the pictures. But could work. Of course, very good message from a story arc--slightly predictable. But being a younger sister, I was OK with it.
3/1/17 Used in H preschool theme. Closer because it was longer. Thought they would like the superhero aspect. Not so great. Not awful. Probably a good thing I had a tiny group. They could get a bit closer and see the illustration details. I think they missed half of it, but still liked it overall. They didn't have bored actions, which I may have had with a larger crowd. Probably best as lap-read.
3/1/17 Used in H preschool theme. Closer because it was longer. Thought they would like the superhero aspect. Not so great. Not awful. Probably a good thing I had a tiny group. They could get a bit closer and see the illustration details. I think they missed half of it, but still liked it overall. They didn't have bored actions, which I may have had with a larger crowd. Probably best as lap-read.
August 7, 2016
This fun picture book is a step-by-step guide to becoming a superhero. The book is meant to be humorous, and the suggestions and illustrations certainly are. As a read aloud for younger kids, I might point out that they really shouldn't try to do some of these things themselves, like trying to breathe underwater. I also am not sure I like the kids stealing the cookie jar and taking it up to the treehouse. With that said, kids will enjoy the silly antics of the main character and it could be a good mentor text for writing other step-by-step guides.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews