The play park shown in the opening endpapers looks really exciting. There are swings, climbing frames, slides and roundabouts. But when this little boy goes for a walk with his Dad and Daddy, things aren’t quite so thrilling. He wants to slide on icy puddles or climb the ropes in the play park, but his two Dads stop him, worried that he might fall and hurt himself. He stomps off crossly, in tears, but Dad and Daddy comfort him, explaining that this is all new to them and that they worry. After a while the little boy has a bright idea – why not show his Dads what to do. So off they go. The ropes and ladders become a pirate ship where Dad and Daddy climb the rigging and fight off monsters, the monkey bars are the branches of trees in a lush rainforest where crocodiles lurk below to catch them, and on the roundabout they become swooping swishing superheroes. And after a warm drink they all go home, happily wondering what new adventures they might have next. This gently told family tale is illustrated in warm, natural colours, with details of the joys a play park offers and the imaginative adventures that lie in store. The final endpapers sum this up with the same play park as at the beginning but with space ships, crocodiles, dragons and dinosaurs, with Dad, Daddy and the little boy having great adventures. The intricate artwork provides a wealth of detail for readers from four upwards to pore over and enjoy.
Eve Bearne
Superheroes in the Park by Ian Eagleton
Illustrated by Hayley Wells
Otter-Barry Books
ISBN 9781915659972
£12.99
Published 2026
