PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: All the Hulk Feels by Dan Santat
ABOUT THE BOOK
Sequential illustration panels combine with traditional picture book elements to create a dazzling new reading experience for budding Marvel fans—and a perfect introduction to comics for the youngest readers.
When scientist Bruce Banner starts to feel his emotions getting out of hand, he transforms into his alter ego, the Incredible Hulk! Usually, Hulk is ready to use his anger to smash supervillains, but when everyday moments like pickles on a burger (yuck!) begin triggering Bruce’s transformations, Hulk grows frustrated.
REVIEW
Hulk fans are bound to enjoy this tale of emotional confusion as Bruce Banner gets into an argument with his alter-ego, Hulk. Bruce keeps getting angry at relatively small irritating things that happen (a disliked song on the radio, a pickle on his sandwich, etc.). And when Bruce gets angry, Hulk shows up. But Hulk doesn't understand why Bruce keeps getting angry. In an effort to figure things out, Hulk writes a note to Bruce. They communicate back and forth for a while, until finally, Hulk reminds him of the other feelings that he gets to feel that Hulk does not: laughter, love, sadness. The graphic novel type format shows readers that there is a villain working behind the scenes to manipulate Bruce/Hulk to keep him out of the way. The question remains whether Bruce and Hulk can work out their differences in time to save the day. Not only is the book an entertaining entry into the Marvel universe of superheroes and supervillains, but it's also a thought-provoking look at emotions and self-control (or the lack thereof). Not only are young readers likely to pick up and enjoy this title, but teachers and parents can use the book for discussions about emotions, both feeling them and learning to regulate them. Recommended.
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