02/15/2021
Bestselling author Shriver features everyday heroes in this countdown seek-and-find book. Spare rhymes describe actions of the average hero (“Eight Hidden Heroes find a way to shine/ working hard to save the Earth/ one good deed at a time”), inviting readers to look closely at Watson’s busy pages, which are filled with bright, inclusive illustrations. The prompts are deliberately vague; with no professions named upfront (back matter includes a helpful key), readers can see for themselves the different ways in which people work with others. A pigtailed, sight-impaired child gives Braille lessons on a park bench; an adult construction worker and child build homes for people in need; a wheelchair-using child participates in a charity marathon. An educational, interactive read. Ages 3–8. (Mar.)
Parents and children alike will love snuggling up to read this fun rhyming book, hunting down the heroic acts on every page, and talking about all of the ways ordinary people can make the world a better place. I can’t wait to share 10 Hidden Heroes with the kids in my life!” —Jennifer Garner, actress and producer
“10 Hidden Heroes teaches children about the people who make this world a better, safer, and more compassionate place. This book will not only get kids excited about seeking out real-life heroes in their day-to-day life, but inspire them to make a difference in their community, and even change the world. “ —Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt
“The Gaffigan family loves Mark Shriver’s new children’s book, 10 Hidden Heroes and the way it highlights gestures of kindness, compassion, generosity and service as the truly heroic acts that they are. Young children will be mesmerized searching for and discovering the real heroes of everyday life among all the beautiful illustrations that reflect our communities populated by recognizable characters from all backgrounds, creeds and colors working together in service to each other to make the world a better place. At an early age kids will understand that they don’t have to look to the skies for a caped super-human. Heroes surround us every day if we learn how to find them and recognize how their actions save lives and make the world a better place. Most importantly, your child will understand that by choosing to love others, they can be a hero too!” —Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan
"10 Hidden Heroes is not only beautifully illustrated, it’s filled with positive life lessons for the whole family to learn, discuss, and share with the world.” –—Vanna White, co-host of Wheel of Fortune
“I have always loved the expression, "If you can see it, you can be it." In that spirit, what could be more impactful than to teach a generation of children (and future heroes) to look for the everyday heroes in every circumstance? 10 Hidden Heroes is a gift for the future.” —Kelly Corrigan, author of the New York Times best seller, Tell Me More.
“Yes! From a thoughtful and caring man, 10 Hidden Heroes is a fun kid’s book that plants the seeds about the ordinary being extraordinary." –Joan Cusack (actress) and Richard Burke (CEO, Envoy Global, Inc.)
“Everyday heroes are all around us, but too often they are overlooked. 10 Hidden Heroes is fun and inspiring reading. I can’t wait for the exciting adventures searching for real-life heroes with my granddaughter!” – Maria Shriver, author of the New York Times bestseller, I’ve Been Thinking
"Readers can see for themselves the different ways in which people work with others. An educational, interactive read." —Publishers Weekly “An inclusive, visually delightful story that may give youngsters the confidence to be heroes themselves.” —Kirkus Reviews
05/01/2021
K-Gr 3—Shriver takes readers on a countdown journey of everyday people performing acts of service in their communities. Starting with ten hidden heroes who nurse others back to health and counting down to one hero, the text celebrates small acts and large ones: "Six Hidden Heroes teaching others to read. Getting books in lots of hands, that is how to lead!" Children may be surprised to learn that the heroes are not only professional caregivers and essential workers but people just like them, or members of their family. This delightful book is a fresh take on an image search book. Its use of short rhyming text allows the illustrations to shine. Each page is jam-packed with colorful scenery and landscapes that replicate high-energy big cities or small towns. Vibrant depictions of inclusive communities filled with people of different races, genders, faiths, and abilities enhance its powerful messaging. Fun back matter allows readers to determine how they will be heroes in their own communities and draw their responses on a dedicated hero award page. Once they have completed that activity, they can verify their hero selections using the answer key and share more via the book's interactive website. VERDICT This is a worthy, eye-opening addition to any library or classroom collection and a useful teaching tool.—Maegen Rose, Rye Country Day Sch., NY
★ 2021-02-23
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.
