Max

Max is an almost normal child in an almost normal town, but he has the misfortune to be born to Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, superheroes and crimebusters. In spite of his cape, mask and silly underpants, Max is unable to fly, and becomes a disappointment to his family and to himself. Then one day at dawn, Max sees a bird trying to leave its nest too soon, and as it plummets to the earth, he discovers the ability which has eluded him for so long. The book's gentle conclusion, with Madam Thunderbolt's desire for Max to be'a small hero doing quiet deeds', underlines its message about the importance of everyday acts of kindness. This is a large bright picture book with bold print and a variety of frame sizes. The characters are drawn like cartoon superheroes in vivid colours. It is an appealing book with a heartening message.