Kids love to be the hero of their own story and these wonderful superhero picture books are just the thing to charge up their imaginations. These books will inspire kids to don a cape and mask and set off on an adventure where they conquer dastardly villains and save the world!
(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission)
Want a printable list to take to the library? You can get one at the end of the post. You can also see this list (along with our Superhero novels at Bookshop and support your independent bookstore.
Superhero Books for Kids
All of our recommended superhero books below are great read aloud choices for preschoolers through elementary school.
Kapow! by George O'Connor
Find it: Amazon
A young boy and his friend transform into American Eagle and Bug Girl and set off to capture The Rubber Bandit! O'Connor illustrates this fun adventure in large graphic novel-style panels. The kids use their imagination to turn ordinary household objects into props for their caped crusade, defying mom's reminder to not get too carried away. Of course they do, but mom has a good solution for when the house gets a little messy...
The Adventures of Sparrowboy by Brian Pinkney
One day while riding his bike, Henry collides with a bird and becomes Sparrowboy! He uses his new found powers to save the neighborhood from bullies and runaway wagons–all while completing his newspaper route. Great fun.
MORE: Adventure Picture Books for Kids
Lucía the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
This is a fun, exuberant book. When Lucía runs through the playground with her red cape, the boys tell her "girls can't be superheroes." This makes Lucía mad, "Spicy mad. KA-POW kind of mad." Then, her grandmother tells her about the luchadoras and together they hatch a marvelous plan.
MORE: For more super fun, children will love this list of girl superhero books!
Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian by Jacob Sager Weinstein
Find it: Amazon
This is such a fun story! An evil genius is out to destroy all the books, but Lyric McKerrigan is not having any of it. Using the amazing tools and gadgets that librarians have at their disposal, she harnesses the power of books to save the day–and the world!
MORE: for children ages 6-10 who are reading independently, be sure to check out this list of superhero early chapter books!
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelley Becker
When your kid loves superheroes and you also want to reinforce social and emotional skills, turn to this fun title. Superheroes may have the strength and power to throw epic tantrums when their emotions overwhelm them, but do they? No! They channel that energy into positive actions, thus regaining control and learning how to harness their emotional responses for good.
MORE: Superhero science experiments to learn how your favorite heroes' powers works!
Max by Bob Graham
This is a sweet story of a family of superheroes from Australian author, Bob Graham. Max, the son of Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt can't fly yet. He wonders if he isn't super after all. He could just grow up to be ordinary. One day as he watches a baby bird in peril and tries to save it, he learns that small deeds can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
MORE: 42 Books about Strong and Gentle Boys
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon
Awesome Man exudes traditional superhero strength as he battles nemesis after nemesis. The real joy of this book is the dynamic and engaging illustrations that bring the imaginative battles to life and offer kids clues about Awesome Man's secret.
MORE: Superhero fans will love this Superhero compute and find activity
Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime by Lisa Mantchev
Jinx and the Doom engage in the usual sibling spats but decide it is more fun to put aside their differences to team up and fight crime. They get their orders from headquarters (aka mom) and their imaginative adventures get them through the day. A really fun take on childhood dreams of "saving the day!"
MORE: Picture Books to Inspire Unplugged Play
The Day I Lost My Superpowers by Michaël Escoffier
Find it: Amazon
In this droll French import, a charming girl narrates her ability to do superhero-like actions like fly, and make things (such as cupcakes) disappear. But somehow she has lost her powers. Lucky for her, it turns out her mom has superpowers, too.
MORE: Books to inspire kids to follow their dreams
Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis
Davis's Ladybug Girl is the subject of a popular series of superhero-themed picture books, including a spin-off about her friend, Bumblebee Boy. It is the quintessential story of childhood imagination. A girl puts on a pair of wings and transforms, along with her dog, into hero and sidekick. Together, they engage in little acts of heroism around the neighborhood. Utterly delightful.
MORE: Best Children's Books about Friends
Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) by Keith Negley
Negley's illustrations display stereotypical "tough guys" like superheroes, ninjas, a lucha libre wrestler, knights, etc. However, they are depicted all in emotionally complex situations. For example, best friend friend ninjas are sad over a falling out, a pirate is frustrated at not finding treasure, and a race car driver deals with a loss. The final illustration shows a father and son reading together. Ages 4 and up.
Leave a Reply