Superheroes Don't Babysit

by Amber Hendricks, Kyle Reed (Illustrator)

Superheroes leap buildings, chase bad guys, and save the city from the evil Emperor Zog. Superheroes DON'T babysit. Except when their dad asks them to. In an epic battle of sibling rivalry, will this superhero finally meet her match? Or will she find exactly what she's been missing all along? In Superheroes Don't Babysit , author Amber Hendricks tells a story full of humor and heart, and illustrator Kyle Reed's superpowered illustrations pack a punch with their bold colors and sharp lines. This book is fun to look at and to read with siblings who consider themselves rivals or friends, or maybe something in between.

Genres: Picture Books, Superheroes, Family, Storytime, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, Amber Hendricks grew up reading everything she could get her hands on- including the morning cereal boxes. That passion melded into writing as well, and by the age of 11 she was writing and binding her own “books”. Although she dreamed of becoming a writer, when it came time for college, Amber opted for a more practical major. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, with an emphasis on Visual Merchandising, from Northwest Missouri State University. Amber has worn many hats in her career : Army wife, Mother, Visual Merchandiser, Certified Pharmacy Technician, and most recently, Childcare Professional. But she has always circled back to her first love of telling stories. Amber currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superheroes Don't Babysit is a perfect mixture of humor and heart, and the comic book elements the illustrator added in are spot on! This book is not just to help older siblings learn to appreciate their younger sibling (though it's PERFECT for that) but for all kids to appreciate what they have while laughing out loud at all the funny antics.

[Pine Reads Review]

“Besides, every superhero needs a sidekick.”

When dad asks a young superhero to watch her little brother, she’s less than excited. After all, superheroes are too busy saving lives and fighting crime to babysit. With a new citizen to protect while dad’s away, this caped-crusader realizes that babysitting your little brother is no easy task. From ice cream sundaes gone awry to broken action figures, it may just take a superhero to save the day. Has she finally met her archnemesis—or perhaps a loyal sidekick instead?

In this adorable picture-book, Hendricks perfectly captures the epic proportions of sibling rivalry while simultaneously highlighting the unbreakable bond between brother and sister. Reed’s illustrations layer the story with bold, humorous visuals and comic strip aesthetics. Together, they create Superheroes Don’t Babysit, a fun-filled tale where superheroes become babysitters and pesky little brothers turn out to be the perfect crime-fighting partners.

(Pine Reads Review received an ARC from Beaming Books in exchange for an honest review.)

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[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not being a breeder, this wasn't a book for me. It's about a girl in her superhero costume and her superhero mindset who has to hold the fort with her baby sibling while their father loses his place on these pages. Baby wants snacks, needs changing – definitely needs changing – and drools over whatever it is it lies on. But our superhero must be aware that all these things are responsible things to sort out – and then we get to the final sting, which does definitely make sense in a positive way but still made this no more enjoyable for me. For many of the intended users this is fabulous, I am sure, but this might have been a case of me not fully comprehending exactly what I was clicking download on.

[Lisa Katzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a super-creative take on the “little brothers ruin everything” concept, especially when a superhero is the star! The voice in this story is pitch-perfect, super fun and light in a way that will pull readers in right away. The sibling rivalry is relatable, but we understand there is much love between this duo. The illustrations are fun, using bright colors to bring this bright story to life. A real winner!

[Meera Sriram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my new favorite, I can't wait to read it aloud to kids at my library preschool storytime! In an engaging second-person voice and with fun, captivating art work to go with it, the story moves along with relatable antics and the right humor to keep any kid hooked. Until, we find out that our super annoyed superhero thinks that his messy and maddening little brother is still his best sidekick ever!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In bold, comic tones, this superhero-infused sibling story packs a punch with its understated text. So relatable, the second-person narration takes the reader beyond the occasional annoyance and mess of a little sibling to the humor and love that abounds in brother/sister relationships. A read-aloud for superheroes and sidekicks alike!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An older sister is asked to keep an eye on her baby brother. She becomes frustrated because, of course, superheroes do not babysit. What follows is the hilarious antics of a toddler.

This book is sure to elicit belly laughs.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know about that one. Yes to having your child help out along the house. We all have to work together in a family. No to having a child that young change a stinky diaper. So I guess I didn't like the plot.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superheroes do babysit little brothers because they are super sisters and their dad told them they must.

[Lisa Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids adore this book. The story is cute and it’s a great read aloud. The illustrations are so fun. It’s quickly become one of the most requested books in our house.

[Mr. George The Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable romp into the discovery that family means taking responsibility sometimes. Funny picture book.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another win during bedtime!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[Nuqksh Sapra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl did not want to baby-sit her little brother because she is playing ''superheroes" but later she thinks he can be a good sidekick.

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, funny, filled with heart and so kid-relatable. I can see myself and when mom asked me to take care of my younger sister. Sometimes, I would feel annoyed, but in the end she would always be my sidekick. And this book shows in a very funny way, how siblings, despite all the challenges, will always stick together. The illustrations add so much fun to the story. This is a must for parents with two or more siblings. Kids will have a blast and they will ask you to read it again and again.

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart-warming book! It's tough being the eldest sibling in a family, but it is especially tough when all you want to do is play superheroes, and you need to watch your little brother. In this charming sibling story, maybe you'll discover that you're own 'superhero' gifts come in very useful, and maybe you'll find a new sidekick!