My Hero

Biggs flips the script on classic father-daughter tales with this standout book, which casts “gallant girl of greatness” Abigail, aka Awesome Girl, as a hero who comes to her dad’s aid. The high-octane adventure opens with the pink-skinned, freckled protagonist attempting to rescue a cat. When Dad, who also reads as white, announces that it’s bath time, his constant cautionary admonitions annoy the young superhero: “I know you don’t believe me, Daddy, but it’s true. If you ever get into trouble, I’ll save you. I’ll be your hero.” An opportunity soon presents itself after bath-toy-turned-villain Purple Octopus ensnares Daddy. Presented in comics-style panels, the wily cephalopod attempts to sow doubts about whether Awesome Girl’s father believes in her, but the dauntless heroine finds the confidence to prevail. Biggs’s lively storytelling and polychromatic mixed-media illustrations achieve the difficult task of being simultaneously action-packed and emotionally complex, making this an ideal book for budding superheroes. Ages 4–8. (May)