supermoms!, book 1 of animal heroes series

Co-written by Heather Lang + Jamie Harper Illustrated by Jamie Harper Published by Candlewick Press

In comics-style panels full of facts and humor, this lively picture book investigates the amazing lengths animal mothers go to in caring for their young.

An emperor penguin mom treks up to fifty miles to bring food to her hungry chick. A toothy American alligator carefully carries hatchlings in her mouth, shuttling them safely to the water. A piping plover uses her best acting skills to feign an injury, luring predators away from her offspring. Whether building elaborate burrows, forgoing food for months on end to feed their cubs, toting hundreds of spiderlings on their backs, conducting patient swimming lessons, or fearlessly kicking away hyenas, mothers in the animal kingdom--whatever their species--give it their all (and then some!) to keep their little ones safe, fed, and ready to face the world on their own.

This first book in a young series on animal science includes in its back matter a look at the "super" qualities of some of the animals and offers a collection of resources for budding naturalists.

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PRAISE

“This lively riff on superheroes, the first in a projected new series of science books, explores the mothering habits of 18 different animal species. . . . For youngsters who like learning about the animal kingdom, this work offers a pleasing variety. . . . For Mother’s Day or any day, an appealing take on animal factoids.”

— Kirkus Reviews

"Harper's playful, comics-style artwork employs traditional and digital collage. Speech balloons permit these cheeky children and moms to remark about the scenes depicted, and formal text is kept minimal, allowing the colorful art and humorous commentary to take center stage, as when female elephants (allomothers) form a circle ('Bums together, ladies!') around a young calf ('Is this really necessary?'). Appended with further information and resources, this will be popular with browsers and intriguing for primary science units."

— Booklist

“Harper’s textured digital and traditional collages, presented in panels throughout, portray the wildlife with big personalities . . . . Most of the creatures’ efforts have a true wow factor that, combined with comedic commentary throughout, results in a super silly tribute to supermoms.”

— Publishers Weekly

— A Library Guild Selection