KER-SPLASH!

The creator of Kapow! (2004) takes the same crew and basic concept to the beach, alternating supercharged scenes of superhero action with more down-to-earth views of two young buddies and a little brother taking on a bully. Waiting for Mom to let them into the water, the three no sooner discover a little crab in their plastic bucket than a big, grabby assailant with braces and a bad attitude descends. It’s time for “American Eagle,” “Bug Lady” and “Manphibian” to spring to the rescue! Laid-back seaside scenes expand with a turn of the page to spread-filling dustups featuring grimacing, mightily thewed warriors in appropriately melodramatic garb and postures. A deft bit of distraction later, the deed is done, the heroes have escaped into the surf with Mom and the bully is left sitting on a dune, oblivious to the newly freed crab taking aim at his butt. Rousing fare for fans of Brian Pinkney’s Adventures of Sparrow Boy (1997) or for budding superheroes in general. (Picture book. 6-8)