Real Superheroes: A Celebration of Essential Workers

A tan child with pigtails dons a red cape, matching gloves, and a mask. With “a trusty sidekick” nearby, the caped crusader is ready to fly to the rescue. But then the child stops and ponders: “How many of these superheroes have ever rescued you?” Through this lens, Seal introduces essential workers, including doctors, sanitation workers, and caretakers. Mellow-colored spreads depict dot-eyed children of different skin tones and abilities dressing up as various professionals: a pale, blond child wearing police garb “answer[s] people’s cries for help when you call them on the phone,” while a Black boy in firefighting gear fights “fire to keep us safe.” The final spread assembles the portrayed workers, urging young readers to emulate these heroes by caring for others. An accessible reiteration of an age-old catchphrase: not all heroes wear capes. Ages 3–5. [em](Apr.) [/em]