They defend the innocent--from a washing machine turned monster. They protect the planet--from a Godzilla-like creature menacing a toy city. And then they stop to have lunch. It's all in a day's work for two siblings in this imagination-fueled superhero story. Mantchev (Someday, Narwhal) even gives her heroes an origin story: Jinx and her brother, the Doom, "used to fight each other. But then they realized they could use their powers for good and not evil." Cotterill (No More Bows!) embraces a comic-book aesthetic in hip dioramas featuring paper-cut characters and dramatic shadowing; during a mission from headquarters (aka Mom) to wash the pet dog, the canine casts a fierce shark shadow as it runs away from the tub. Cotterill's vivid images capture the way pretend play can transform even the most mundane activities into adventures waiting to happen. And with superheroes everywhere in pop culture, Mantchev offers a fun introduction to what fighting crime is all about for kids who aren't ready for the latest blockbuster action film. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Agency. (Feb.)

PreS-Gr 1--Jinx and her little brother, the Doom, let their imaginations run wild as they unite to fight crime and injustice. The siblings used to fight each other, but now they have learned that cooperation makes imaginative play and saving the world a lot more fun. A stuffed animal's shadow, block towers, and chalk drawings become evil to be defeated. A dirty dog in need of a bath becomes a mission to be conquered. Jinx is a bespectacled, pigtailed girl in a dress, boots, and a cape. The Doom sports a mop of blond hair and a black mask with his cape. The expressive and engaging illustrations are a combination of drawing, cut paper, and digital coloring. VERDICT A high-energy read-aloud for any young fans of superheroes, sibling dynamics, and a fun take on cooperation.--Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA