10 HIDDEN HEROES

A seek-and-find picture book that portrays everyday altruistic efforts.

Shriver’s text invites readers to notice more than 50 heroic deeds in 10 illustrations. A hospital scene shows “Ten Hidden Heroes working night and day, nursing others back to health until they are okay,” including medical staff members reading an X-ray and taking blood pressure. Other images highlight people reading to children, working at a food bank, building homes for those in need, running in a charity race, and doing other helpful activities. The text emphasizes that being a hero includes making gestures of kindness and lifting others’ spirits as well as “inventing…rocket ships and medicines.” Lastly, the text encourages readers to take action: “What is it you will do? It’s your turn to help and heal. The way? It’s up to you!” Using simple, effective rhymes, Shriver creatively emphasizes how kids can help make the world better. Readers will enjoy Watson’s colorful, action-packed illustrations with bustling, energetic displays of neighborhood happenings. The images also incorporate charitable organizations, as when a bookmobile displays a Save the Children logo. They include people of diverse ethnicities, ages, faiths, and abilities, including characters using wheelchairs and reading braille. Lists at the end point out specific heroic actions shown throughout the book.

An inclusive, visually delightful story that may give youngsters the confidence to be heroes themselves.