Superbat
on Goodreads (426)
What’s inside...
Pat the bat wants to be a superhero, but the trouble is he has no special powers, and the other bats just laugh at him--but when he hears a mouse in distress, he learns that sometimes you just have to use the abilities you already have to make a difference, and that makes you a superhero. It's a bird! It's a plane! No, wait...it's a bat...in a bright superhero outfit and cape? It's Superbat! Pat is an ordinary bat who wants nothing more than to be special. But when he proclaims himself a superbat, the other bats laugh and say that anything he can do, like fly and navigate through the dark, they can do too. Disheartened that his friends have the same superpowers as him, Pat is ready to rip off his cape and throw it away when suddenly his supersonic hearing picks up a terrified cry. A cat has trapped a poor mouse! Without a second thought, Pat quickly flies across the city using his echolocation and saves the mouse from the big, bad cat. His friends, who followed to watch, realize that Pat does have an amazing superpower: courage! A playful twist on the superhero theme, Matt Carr's debut picture book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt just out of place. Matt introduces some real bat characteristics in this superhero adventure, as well as some bat facts in the back of the book!
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Superbat
Discussion points
How do you think Pat the bat felt when he discovered he didn't have superpowers? What would you do in his situation?
What are some qualities that made Pat a hero, even without superpowers?
Why do you think the other bats began to appreciate Pat more by the end of the story?
If you were a character in the book, how would you help Pat on his adventure?
What does this story teach us about friendship and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connections. Acknowledge their ideas before expanding or guiding the discussion.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, enhancing their engagement and anticipation.
After reading the book, involve your child in a creative activity, like drawing their version of a superhero bat or writing a short story about their own super adventure.
Encourage your child to share a time when they felt they did something heroic or helpful, relating personal experiences to the story’s themes.
Discuss the different emotions characters experienced within the book, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Pat the bat, learns to appreciate his unique qualities instead of wishing for the powers of other superheroes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own skills and traits, boosting self-esteem and reducing peer comparison.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: Pat uses his natural abilities to create an original superhero identity, showing that creativity can lead to unique solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages kids to think creatively in problem-solving situations, rather than feeling limited by conventional options.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Through his adventures, Pat learns the importance of working with others to achieve common goals and make a greater impact.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or team sports, enhancing social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: Despite initial fears, Pat steps out of his comfort zone to explore his potential, illustrating the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new challenges, whether trying a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Helping Others
Explanation: Superbat uses his powers for good, such as finding lost items and helping those in trouble, emphasizing the joy in aiding others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of community support, encouraging them to help family and friends in their daily lives.