The Terrible Trio by Swapna Haddow

In a world where every animal has superpowers, Zeb the zebra, Margarine the penguin and Barry the lemur spend hours in line waiting for theirs. However, the squirrel at the Ministry of Superpowers is all out of ideas and desperate to finish up his busy day, giving the trio at the end of the line what could be deemed the worst powers of all. Stuck watching all the other superheroes save the world day after day, the trio wonder if their turn to find their place in the world will ever come.

Author Swapna Haddow's characters are boisterous and full of energy. She's created a funny, action-packed and heart-warming story, about an unlikely trio. The humour is expertly pitched at the intended audience level. Haddow also sneaks in an important message for readers - about finding your place in the world, how our perceived weaknesses can actually be strengths, and how all of our unique skills and attributes are important.

The trio of not so superheroes are brought to life by illustrator Minky Stapleton. Each animal is brimming with personality and expression. From full page spreads to three panels, the book flows nicely and isn't too cluttered or overwhelming visually. 

Graphic novels have experienced a surge of popularity lately as their value has grown. The story, combined with the artwork, is engaging and will motivate younger readers who are otherwise disinterested in reading.

The Terrible Trio is visually appealing, less intimidating than a chapter book for younger readers, and jam-packed with humour and excitement. I look forward to seeing what adventures the trio get up to next now they're armed with their superpowers.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Scholastic