Although I was a huge fan of the Asterix books as a child and young adult, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really clocked that there were lots of graphic novels available to today's readers. Yes, my son was a huge fan of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants books when he was at primary school, but I couldn't get into them and wasn't really aware of what else was available. Thank heavens then for the children's book-reading community on Twitter, to whose recommendations I turned when I first started to buy graphic novels to read and to share with the Year 5 class I was teaching at that point. When Dan Santat's The Aquanaut was recommended, I - of course - bought it, with my charges and me all loving it. A little more able to choose for myself now than I was then, when I was offered this new read to review there was no way I could say no. Having gobbled it up, I would suggest that here is a title that not only will children love but here is one that will go a long way to proving to those adults who reject the idea of graphic novels being proper books that that is as far from the truth as can be. Witty and sharp, with great characters, a strong plot and fabulous artwork, I am thrilled that this is the start of a new series and cannot wait for Book 2 to find out what happens next. After his latest act of heroism doesn't quite go to plan, ageing superhero Captain Amazing decides to take some time out to spend with his pets, dog Roscoe and hamster Fluffy, ahead of holding auditions in a month's time for a new sidekick to help lighten his load - a position both of them are determined to try out for. Before they are able to start practising their own skills in preparation though, a rescued chameleon arrives to join the family, who Captain Amazing - Harry, now that he is in his civvies - christens Shifty. As the three animals compete to attract Harry's attention and count down to the tryouts in the hopes of joining him as his assistant, little do they realise that their home - Metro City - is about to face a bigger problem than Captain Amazing starting to show his age, when arch villain, Dr Havoc, is released from prison. As the criminal mastermind puts his nefarious schemes into action, and with Harry past his prime, can Roscoe, Fluffy and Shifty stop trying to outdo one another and work together to support Captain Amazing as he battles his nemesis? And following the encounter, what will the future hold for the superhero and the brave pets that he loves? Let's be honest - we all expect superheroes to be in the prime physical condition that usually comes with youth. Although the style of artwork in comic strips changes over time and roles such as Batman are played by a range of different, attractive and youthful actors, the characters themselves do not age and here it comes as a huge surprise to the reader that Captain Amazing is no longer as amazing as he once was. When he decides that he is in need of a sidekick, his three pets are all desperate to take on the role - not because they are seeking fame or glory, or want to right wrongs, but simply because they want to spend more time with Harry, whom they love dearly. As Roscoe, Fluffy and Shifty all try to prove their worth as Captain Amazing's next sidekick, we learn not just about the dynamics between the four of them but also a little of Harry's past, which leaves us with lots of unanswered questions and an enormous hook to tempt us into Book 2 - Thick as Thieves, for which I couldn't find a date - and beyond to the third and fourth titles in the series. They, I'm sure, will give us of the same high-quality storyline and artwork that we see here and I for one cannot wait. Perfect for readers throughout KS2, this is one of those books that will also be enjoyed by those in KS3, where reading for pleasure sometimes - sadly - starts to tail off.

Thanks to Kiran at Scholastic for the copy of this book which was released on 10th October. A new graphic novel series. Captain Amazing's pets (a hamster: Fluffy and a dog: Roscoe) are watching the news. But something is happening - supervillains are stealing a DNA transfer device. Captain Amazing is battling 4 people - until the peanut vendor gets in the way. He has a peanut allergy! He goes home: he's ill. The next day he talks to the superhero group about a sidekick....his pets think he already has one (or two). Then a new pet arrives - a chameleon, Captain Amazing (Harry) calls him Shifty. Harry says definitely no pets as sidekicks. But the pets decide to take things into their own hands to prove they are teh ones to help. Fluffy leaves the house (closely followed by Shifty) but gets into trouble with a group of cats who want to eat them. At that moment help comes in the form of another cat - but Fluffy knows that voice - Manny the cat who left their house after a row with Roscoe. He was Harry's first pet. The pets (all of them) continue to try to help Harry without him knowing. But can Fluffy and Roscoe ever live in Harry's house together again? Good fun, great graphics. Will definitely be loved at school. TA, Escp.