Eric Vale Super Male by Michael Gerard Bauer
Omnibus, 2013. ISBN: 9781862919938/
Recommended for ages 8+. Eric Vale, would be author of the Totally
Awesome Action Adventures of Secret Agent Derek 'Danger' Dale, is
less than inspired by his teacher's latest idea for a new study
unit, 'Stupid Pharaohs'! When he finally realises that the
unit title is, in fact, 'Superheroes', his attitude changes
dramatically and he believes he will impress the class with his
knowledge, enthusiasm and amazing characters. Only his classmate,
Meredith Murdoch, seems to be unhappy and dismissive of the
teacher's grand idea. Still trying to shed his previous nickname,
Epic Fail, nothing goes quite according to plan for Eric. His little
sister Katie tries to 'help', as does his friend William
'Choo-Choo' Rodriguez, AKA Chewy. Buoyed by the ideas quoted by his
motivational speaker parents, Chewy dreams up the character Mr
Self-Belief. Eric can only imagine the social suicide awaiting Chewy
if he continues with his plans but believes the Nuclear Ninjarator
will provide the turning point in his own life. Meanwhile, he tries
to placate Katie who seems hell bent on sending him to school with
her favourite toy, Woopsie Bear, something he knows will never
happen. Will his fortunes change and will he finally manage to
impress his class mates?
Despite initially having judged the book by its cover and felt it
was one I wouldn't enjoy, Eric Vale managed to live up to my previous
expectations of what I'd have expected of Michael Gerard Bauer . . .
it is filled with humour, a multitude of illustrations and child
appeal yet still contains a message. Again illustrated by the
author's son, Joe, the layout is one which will engage even the
reluctant reader. With large and varied fonts, double spaced text
and having so many comic style illustrations, this comes close to
the graphic novel format and is especially easy to read. With such
themes as family, school, fitting in/standing out, bravery and
resilience and the obvious Superheroes, this should appeal to both
male and female readers in early primary through to the reluctant
readers in upper primary school. For a great article on the
father/son team, have a look at the following link:
http://www.readings.com.au/news/the-way-we-work-michael-gerard-bauer-and-joe-bauer-on-eric-vale-epic-fail
Jo Schenkel