The Terrible Trio 1: The (not so) Superheroes product reviews

Graphic novels are a great idea for young readers. They offer a bridge between picture books and text-intensive stories, assisting with comprehension especially when there are unfamiliar words. Miss Seven finished the book within two days; her younger brother, Mr Six, took a week. He was able to read some without assistance but still needed help now and again.

The story appealed to both children although in different ways. Mr Six is at the age where toilet humour is extremely funny. He thought it would be amazing to be invisible like the chameleon so nobody would realise it was he who had caused the bad smell in the toilet. As for bottoms, they are the "butt" of many jokes - a play on words that was not lost on him.

Miss Seven thought that the trio's superpowers were somewhat disappointing, but she could see both sides and realised that every skill has its purpose. This prompted a discussion about superpowers in general, and what they would give one another if they had the opportunity. As for the parents, they appreciated the book's message that it is important to accept who you are and understand that nobody really needs superpowers to be successful.

The story is set in the real world that children - and their parents - will recognise. The idea of a Ministry of Superpowers that closes for the day so the Ministry Manager squirrel can go home and watch TV advertisements is bizarre and a little too close to home in its implications One would wonder if this is an obscure reference to cost-tweaking politicians as they give out perks without thinking things through and then comment on how ungrateful their clients are. At times when I was reading the story myself, I could almost see the shadow of White House influences.

Although the superpowers that the three are given do not seem to be especially useful, they make the most of them. Margarine (aptly nicknamed Marge) is able to make macaroni cheese out of anything at all, and Barry's gift is that of calligraphy. By combining their talents, they go into the catering business. Marge prepares macaroni cheese for the customers while Barry works his magic on presenting beautifully designed menu boards.

Poor Zeb is relegated to folding napkins. He does not even manage that very well; in fact, he is prone to having tantrums and throwing his slippers out the window in true White House style. However, all ends well for hm when he finally gets the chance to use his own superpower. Even when his unsympathetic friends tell him he looks like a barcode!

This is a story that encourages young readers to tap into their own strengths and use them in the best possible way. It is not the tools you have been given, it is the way you use them that matters. The diverse range of skill possibilities is evident in the wonderful illustration of the prison yard where various creatures are all making their own different and very unique sounds! It really sums up the message the book is offering.