FICTION

Super Magic Boy: I Am a Dinosaur

Random House Graphic. (­Super Magic Boy: Bk. 1). Oct. 2023. 112p. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9780593427781.
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K-Gr 2–From the author/illustrator who brought us Red Panda & Moon Bear comes a new series. Roselló, inspired by his own son’s imagination, creates Hugo, the Super Magic Boy. Hugo starts his day by transforming his stuffed animal dinosaur and himself into real dinosaurs. Their first order of business is to “rampage” through the whole house, which results in broken furniture and a huge hole in a wall. The next chapter finds the duo outside and digging. They break a water main, electrical lines, and finally unearth a cursed skeleton king and his treasure. A battle ensues with our heroes first running away but then defeating the cursed king. They gain the treasure but are disappointed when it contains jewels and coins. Dino wanted plants and Hugo wanted toys and candy! Next, Dino teaches Hugo how to roar, resulting in massive damage to the house. Hugo transforms back into himself to fix the mess with Dino, and even Cursed Skeleton helps put everything back, allowing the adventure to continue. Varied panel shapes, bold colors against white backgrounds, and easy-to-read dialogue balloons keep the action and humor moving. A bonus chapter includes how to draw Hugo and Dinosaur and how to transform!
VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries serving young children. Give this title to fans of Bob Shea’s “Ballet Cat” and Ben Clantaon’s “Narwhal and Jelly.”

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