📖 Overview
Super Manny is a raccoon who loves to pretend he has different kinds of invisible powers. He puts on his capes and imagines himself with abilities like super strength, ultra-bravery, and mega muscles.
At school one day, Manny encounters a situation where he needs to stand up to a bully who is picking on another student. His pretend powers help him find the courage to take real action.
The story shows how imagination and play can build confidence and translate into genuine strength when faced with challenges. It delivers a message about bravery and doing what's right while maintaining an accessible, child-friendly approach.
👀 Reviews
Parents and teachers report using this book to discuss bullying with children ages 4-8. Multiple reviewers note its effectiveness in showing kids they can stand up for others without using violence.
Readers liked:
- Clear message about bravery and helping others
- Colorful illustrations of Manny's imaginary superhero capes
- Practical examples kids can relate to
- Works well for classroom read-alouds
Readers disliked:
- Some found the storyline predictable
- A few mentioned the resolution feels oversimplified
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.13/5 (428 ratings)
Amazon: 4.8/5 (116 ratings)
"This book gave my shy son concrete ways to help others at school," wrote one parent reviewer on Amazon. A first-grade teacher noted, "My students reference Manny's different types of courage when they see someone being left out."
No major criticisms appeared in the top reviews across platforms.
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Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds A child discovers different ways to speak up and make a difference in the world.
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell A student learns to stand up for a classmate when others make fun of his imagination.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill A new student changes the playground dynamic by showing kindness to the school's biggest bully.
Red by Michael Hall A blue crayon with a red label learns to be true to himself despite what others expect.
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds A child discovers different ways to speak up and make a difference in the world.
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell A student learns to stand up for a classmate when others make fun of his imagination.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦸♂️ Author Kelly DiPucchio has written over 30 children's books, including the popular "Grace for President" and "Dragon Was Terrible."
🦹♂️ The main character, Manny, wears different colored invisible capes that give him different powers—like his purple cape for bravery and his red cape for confidence.
🎨 The book's illustrator, Stephanie Graegin, used a blend of traditional and digital techniques to create the artwork, incorporating pencil, ink, and watercolor textures.
✊ The story addresses bullying in schools through metaphor and imagination, making it easier for young children to discuss and understand this challenging topic.
💫 Super Manny was inspired by the author's own childhood experiences of using imagination and pretend play to overcome difficult situations.