Breanna Humes (Text) Ambelin Kwaymullina (illustrations), I Want to be a Superhero, Magabala Books, November 2020, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925360400
I Want to be a Superhero is the beautifully told tale of a little girl (Breanna) in a homemade cape who dreamt of becoming a superhero. Talented first-time author, Breanna Humes wrote this story when she was eight years of age and is well on the way to realising her own dream of becoming a storytelling superhero.
I asked Pop, ‘Can you wish on a shooting star to become a superhero?’
‘You never know unless you try,’ said Pop.
Pop took us for a ride in his car to look for a shooting star.
Little Breanna asks her family members if she can become a superhero by wishing on a shooting star but when she finally gets the chance – nothing happens!
Disappointment soon changes to determination when Breanna’s mother and Kabarli (grandmother) teach her the way to become a real-life superhero. Breanna will never relinquish her dream of flying through the skies wearing her little blanket cape, but she begins to understand that as she grows there will be other ways in which to save the world.
Ambelin Kwaymullina’s gorgeous illustrations are an explosion of colour on every page. Young readers will adore her depictions of tree-lined roadsides and the Milky Way. Her bold outlines have a high visual impact and give this tale a traditional storytelling feel- a perfect match for this title’s simple text and uplifting message.
Inspiring hope and determination in indigenous and non-indigenous children, this picture book is ideal for pre-school, early primary and budding superheroes of any age.
Reviewed by Lisa Hoad
