Superhero Joe and the Creature Next Door

K-Gr 2--When Joe's neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Goode, move away, the imaginative boy spies on the new resident, an oddly dressed being in a heavy sweater and face-concealing hat. Joe wonders what sort of evil plans the Creature may have. From his bedroom window, he watches it repeatedly climb the ladder to the tree house Mr. Goode built, undoubtedly "transforming the tree house into his lair." Finally, Joe decides it's time to confront his foe. He dons his super gravity-defying boots, his cape of confidence, and his anti-glare goggles. As Superhero Joe prepares to set out on his mission, his mother intercepts him: "It's time to go meet our new next-door neighbors. I hear they have a little boy just your age." Joe follows his mother and approaches the tree house with trepidation. There he encounters a friendly boy who likes to dress up and pretend, just like he does. The boy helps Joe climb the previously insurmountable ladder into the tree house and introduces himself, "I'm Invisible Phil!" This entertaining tale of overcoming fear and making new friends is illustrated by precisely drawn panels reminiscent of the classic Archie comic books. The gray-blue palette of the scenes in which Joe spies on his new neighbor increases the sense of mystery and suspense. Clever details like stacks of comic books on the floor of Joe's room and pterodactyls flying around the treetops will make readers chuckle. A fine sequel to Superhero Joe (S & S, 2011).--Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA