My huge thanks to Katrina Power at FMcM for sending me a copy of the children’s book Superhero Animals by Chris Packham, illustrated by Anders Frang, which is part of the Little Experts Series.

I previously reviewed three of the Little Experts Books, Marvellous Vehicles by James May, Amazing Bodies by Dr Ronx and Why Money Matters by Deborah Meaden, here.

Published by Harper Collins’s Farshore imprint Red Shed, Superhero Animals is available for purchase through the links here.

Superhero Animals

Get up close to nature with naturalist and TV presenter CHRIS PACKHAM CBE and encounter the amazing animal superheroes that will help us save the world.

Our EXPERTS are famous for their incredible know-how and passion for their subjects, and now they have made it their mission to share that knowledge with you in LITTLE EXPERTS: the inspirational non-fiction series for six- to nine-year-olds.

This jaw-dropping non-fiction journey has vibrant, playful artwork throughout by Anders Frang.

Little Experts is an unmissable series that will empower and inspire a new generation of experts.

Also available in the LITTLE EXPERTS series:

• How to Build a Home by GEORGE CLARKE, an architect, writer, lecturer and TV presenter.
• How Families Are Made by DR AMIR KHAN, an award-winning full-time GP and resident doctor on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.
• Why Money Matters by DEBORAH MEADEN, entrepreneur, Dragons’ Den investor and host of the BBC Radio 5 Live’s The Big Green Money Show podcast.
• Amazing Bodies by DR RONX, award-winning trans non-binary emergency doctor and TV presenter.
• Marvellous Vehicles by JAMES MAY, a writer and broadcaster who is best known for co-presenting Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
• Running the Country by ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, a writer, podcaster and strategist who is best known for his work as former PM Tony Blair’s spokesman.
• How to Save a Life by DR RONX, award-winning trans non-binary emergency doctor and TV presenter.

My Review of Superhero Animals

A children’s book about animals!

As with the other Little Experts books I’ve read, this is another super addition. I love the robust, vibrant cover (which has a nod to Chris Packham’s dogs on the back cover) because it means the book will endure, whether it’s used in the home or another setting with bigger groups of children. It feels right that Superhero Animals is published using sustainable materials too.

Chris Packham’s Introduction sets the tone for the whole book because he gives autonomy to the young reader, making them aware they have a role to play in the planet’s ecosystem. There’s a real sense of inclusion with a female blind person of colour in the illustrations and creatures covered that are familiar, like wasps and worms as well as final section on Superstar Dogs which provides a relatability for children.

Superhero Animals is packed with the kind of facts children will find fascinating, from the importance of whale poo, to eating ants as part of the human diet. It’s hugely entertaining as well as educational.

The illustrations are perfect for the text because they have a naïve style that will appeal to the target audience, but that refrain from being childish or overly anthropomorphic so that Superhero Animals retains an authenticity that is vital in engaging rather than patronising young readers.

Indeed, Superhero Animals has educational potential far beyond the information about animals to be discovered in its pages.  There’s such potential for project work, researching further the creatures included such as in the shark challenge (and yes, I did find out more about the blue mountain frog!), giving talks about the creatures in Superhero Animals to support oracy, using the alliterative titles and the glossary – even the breaking down of phytoplankton into phonic syllables – for literacy and so on. I can envisage reluctant readers, especially boys, being drawn into enjoying reading through Superhero Animals almost without realising what they are doing.

Superhero Animals is a smashing children’s book and this middle aged child thoroughly enjoyed it.

About Chris Packham

Chris Packham CBE is one of the UK’s leading naturalists and an award-winning conservationist. He began his TV career presenting children’s series The Really Wild Show, and has since presented outstanding nature programmes such as Springwatch.

For further information, visit Chris’s website, follow him on Twitter/X @chrisgpackham or find Chris on Facebook and Instagram.

About Anders Frang

Anders Frang is a freelance illustrator from Denmark. He studied at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen as well as Edinburgh College of Art.

For further information, visit Anders’ website, and find him on Instagram.