It isn't easy become a superhero - there are so many details to work out. And even a superhero sometimes needs his sister's help to save the day.

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. ( )