Extraordinary Ernie and Marvelous Maud

In this slim yet snappy series debut, a group of over-the-hill superheroes announce a competition to find a young new member—preferably a top student or athlete. But decidedly average Ernie, age 10, is the only contestant to show up. Brought aboard, he discovers his sidekick is a talking sheep named Maud. When he complains that her name “doesn't exactly sound super,” she snaps, “Well, if you don't mind my saying so, 'Ernie' isn't exactly the type of name to stop evil in its tracks either.” Though he admits he was hoping for a cooler sidekick, bit by bit Maud wins over Ernie. The action is tame—Ernie saves Maud from a fierce dog and the two thwart three bullies—but the slapstick premise and banter between superhero and sidekick save the day. The brevity, spry pace, and humorous line art make Watts's (Kisses for Daddy ) story a good choice for kids who are more used to meeting superheroes on the screen than on the page. Ages 7–10. (Mar.)