Super Power
By Philip Bunting
Philip Bunting’s “Superpower” is an engaging and informative picture book that tackles the complex topic of energy and renewable resources in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for young readers and their families.
Key Themes and Strengths:
Demystifying Energy: The book aims to answer fundamental questions like “How does renewable energy work?”, “Where does electricity come from?”, and “Why are fossil fuels bad for our environment?”. Bunting breaks down these concepts with clarity and simplicity.
Focus on Renewable Energy: “Superpower” shines a positive light on sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, hydroelectricity, biofuels, hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear. It emphasizes that using renewable energy is not only good for the planet but can also be fun and rewarding.
Humor and Engagement: True to Philip Bunting’s signature style, the book injects a generous dose of humor and playful illustrations. This makes what could be a dry topic incredibly engaging, encouraging interaction between children and adult readers. The illustrations are often described as “cute” and effective in explaining complex ideas.
Practical Tips: Beyond explaining the science, “Superpower” also offers practical and easy tips for families to reduce their energy consumption in daily life.
Educational Value: Reviewers consistently praise the book’s ability to simplify complex information, making it comprehensible even for younger children (typically recommended for ages 4 and up, but particularly strong for 8+). It’s seen as a valuable resource for classrooms and school libraries.
Positive Outlook: The book maintains a positive and hopeful tone, presenting sustainable energy as the “super powers energising our future.”
Award Recognition: “Superpower” was listed as a Notable Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia in 2022, a testament to its quality and impact.
Overall Impression:
“Superpower” is a highly recommended non-fiction picture book that successfully educates young readers about energy, climate change, and the importance of renewable resources. Philip Bunting’s unique blend of informative content, engaging humor, and appealing illustrations makes it a standout in children’s environmental literature. It’s a book that not only teaches but also inspires a positive approach to environmental stewardship.
