Super Ben's Brave Bike Ride (Paperback)

Superheroes are never afraid . . . or are they? When Molly dons her clever crown and Ben ties on his courageous cape, this duo can accomplish anything. However, even superheroes must sometimes face their fears. Follow this duo through a daring adventure in becoming better—and more courageous—buddies.

PresS-K—Often depicted in his jazzy red superhero cape, Ben experiences situations that will be familiar to most young children. The everyday choices that the little bear makes with his rabbit friend, Molly, model the importance of making safe and healthy decisions. In Brave Bike Ride, Ben bolsters the courage to travel to Molly's house alone when his mother cannot accompany him. While this activity could be questionable in some neighborhoods, the text and illustrations clearly indicate that Ben is staying on his own block and testing his new independence under the watchful eyes of adults. Children fearful of new situations will hopefully take comfort in the fact that Ben is not entirely alone in his venture. In Dirty Hands, the friends realize that a day of handling outdoor critters and tumbling down a hill must be followed by hand washing and that it's important to "cover your sneeze with your arm!" Though the stories are not particularly well developed, these simple books with pleasing cartoon illustrations will be useful for character-education units.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT
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