posted on 25 Oct 2021

SuperJoe does NOT do cuddles by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Emma Proctor

With all the recent post-pandemic emphasis on how much we have been missing close physical contact with family and friends, it is rather refreshing to have a children’s book like this one. After all, not everyone  is likely to be comfortable with hugging people on demand - and that includes children.

The eponymous hero of this story is clearly a lively character who is shown on the first page jumping on his bed ready for the busy day to come. As he eats his breakfast we realise that he has a dangerous schedule ahead and so there is not even time for a cuddle for his mum. On the turn of the page we are right inside his first adventure where he saves some anxious tourists from a hungry tiger. He suspects the involvement of his arch enemy, the Grey Shadow – as yet unseen. Using his super powers (and his long woolly scarf thoughtfully provided by mum) SuperJoe deals with the tiger and returns him back to the wild (shown on the TV news bulletin) - and then its back to eat his tea in preparation for his next task.

 He still hasn’t time for the requested cuddle with his mum and soon sets off to sort out a runaway train. Once again using his super powers (and the warm vest provided by mum) he manages to sort out the problem very efficiently. We then see him languishing blissfully in a long hot bath as he prepares for the third and final adventure of the day.

This time he is faced with 'saving people from a collapsing bridge over a raging river, deep in the jungle’. Luckily his mum has given him a belt to hold up his superhero shorts so he is able to use it to help with the difficult rescue - phew!

At last the eventful day is over and mum is determined to get him into bed. But SuperJoe just can’t seem to relax and finally accepts that a cuddle might help. It seems that even superheroes need some affection at the end of the day, despite what the Grey Shadow might say.

I couldn’t help seeing some echoes of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak in his imaginative exploits. I wonder what children might think about whether he really leaves the safety of his house and the warm concern of his mother?  But I suggest that a bigger influence on both author and illustrator might be John Burningham, whose books  often liberate children from the confines of the real world and allows them to travel far and wide.

I know plenty of young children who will be enthralled with this exciting story and identify strongly with SuperJoe and his adventures. I can also see lots of potential drawings inspired by his various feats and, like me will wonder what the Grey Shadow actually looks like?

This is another stupendous picture book from Lantana Publishing Ltd. - one of our all- time favourite publishers.

Strongly recommended. 

Karen Argent

October 2021