Superbaby
by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard; illus. by Lincoln Agnew
Preschool    Porter/Holiday    40 pp.
10/23    9780823445585    $18.99

At the start of the story, narrated in an over-the-top style, readers are introduced to a sleeping, rosy-cheeked baby. But: “This is no ordinary baby. It’s—Superbaby!” Look out family! “3…2…1…BLAST OFF!” Superbaby wakes up, and for the rest of the day, this little package of energy is on the move—flying, breaking sound barriers, and “demolishing bananas.” A couple of grownups occasionally appear in the margins trying to keep up, while Superbaby obliviously and joyfully commands all the space and attention on the page. Even diaper changes are an adventure: “Growth potion, INCOMING. Stink shield, ACTIVATED. Clean-up crew, CALLED.” After an action-packed day of eating, playing, cuddling, making a mess, and getting cleaned up (and a brief recharging session), Superbaby’s powers finally start to wind down. Three books, two kisses, and one lovey are enough to send her to sleep in her “energy pod.” Created with pencil crayons, digital technology, “and love,” Superbaby’s shining button eyes and wobbly limbs are hard to resist, making her an appealing ambassador to life with a new baby in the house. In the story, an older child enjoys being a human mountain, bridge, and tower, accepting drooly morning kisses with relish. The book closes wordlessly, with the breathtaking pile of baby toys Superbaby conquered over the course of the day.

From the November/December 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.