Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Copper-haired, pale-skinned Henry is enthralled by a comic book starring Robo-Kid--a superhero who saves the day when Earth is threatened by a wayward asteroid. Henry is also dreading the day's swim lesson, which will require him to tackle deep water. The moral support he craves comes from none other than Robo-Kid, who, bored by life inside a comic book ("I save the day every day.... Why can't I be a superhero in the real world?"), climbs out of the volume's frame and into Henry's life. But in real life, Robo-Kid is no bigger than an action figure and distinctly lacking in superpowers. When the superhero accidentally tumbles into the deep end, Henry jumps in to mount a rescue--and passes his swimming lesson with flying colors ("You were SUPER!" declares Robo-Kid). DeGroat's (the Gilbert and Friends series) low-key meta story sets up a visual contrast between the comic's flat, bright art and Henry's more realistically rendered world, ending on a sweet-natured note--with both kid and superhero knowing that, in their respective ways, they saved the day. Ages 4--8. Agent: Liz Nealon, Great Dog Literary. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Key: * Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre | Tr Hardcover trade binding | lib. ed. Publisher's library binding | Board Board book | pap. Paperback | e eBook original | BL Bilingual | POP Popular Picks
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Review by Horn Book Review
DeGroat gently subverts conventional storytelling and notions of heroism throughout this playful work of picture-book metafiction. The action begins on the title page when young Henry plops down next to his dog to read his copy of The Adventures of Robo-Kid. The comic's intentionally cliched conflict is quickly resolved by its robotic protagonist. A series of double-page spreads then cleverly depicts two parallel story lines. Henry in the real world nervously prepares for a swim lesson. In the comic-book world, Robo-Kid, or Roby, drops the persona and heads home for lunch. Roby's discontent with the predictable superhero life leads the robot to literally escape the comic book, breaking the fourth wall (and panel border) between the superheroic and real worlds. Although pint-sized and powerless in Henry's world, Roby agrees to help the hesitant boy with his swim lesson. But it's Henry who becomes the story's unlikely hero after Roby tumbles into the pool's deep end and Henry jumps in to rescue his new friend. Clear visual storytelling will help readers follow the narrative, thanks particularly to the largely horizontal panel layout and distinct illustration styles between the two settings. Subtle visual details, such as similarities between Roby's and Henry's rooms and families, strengthen the connection between the two protagonists and will reward multiple readings. Patrick Gall July/August 2022 p.86(c) Copyright 2022. 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
A comic-book hero and a real boy share an adventure. In the opening pages, Robo-Kid successfully averts a disaster. Then the frames of a comic book give way to the surroundings of a young, light-skinned boy absorbed in the story as a voice calls, "Ready for your swimming lesson, Henry?" Henry slams the comic book closed and tucks it into his backpack, and Robo-Kid rubs their head. "I hate when they do that," remarks Robo-Kid, a round-headed figure who appears to be made of interlocking blocks. As Henry approaches the community center, Robo-Kid complains to their robot family at the dinner table--"Why can't I be a superhero in the real world?" The juxtaposition of the comic-book frames of Robo-Kid's experiences with spreads depicting Henry's is excellent, with deGroat's crisp, engaging art rendering both characters' worlds in clear lines and bright colors. Robo-Kid senses that they are needed--it's evident from Henry's worried face that he's not entirely confident about swimming--and hops into Henry's world. When Robo-Kid leaps into the pool, it's Henry to the rescue. An image of a triumphant Henry holding his swimming certificate and the account Robo-Kid gives to the family about their adventure in the "real world" emphasize the heroics of both characters, each entitled to feel successful. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A super blend of everyday courage, the inner lives of readers, and rising to the challenge of doing something difficult. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
