Toni the Superhero: Subtle Moral Lessons

Mary Garrison · Post by **Mary Garrison** » 02 Jul 2018, 01:05

That was one of the aspects I loved most. I hope it encourages many children to do more than they normally would, for their own health and to help out others.

llpwap · Post by **llpwap** » 02 Jul 2018, 10:12

I enjoyed the fact that the author showed Toni helping around the house and doing chores. I had to do chores growing up and it didn’t hurt me a bit. In fact, it helped me to be more responsible. I knew that if I done my chores, I would get my allowance for the week.

bobbiebryner · Post by **bobbiebryner** » 02 Jul 2018, 14:41

I loved the subtle moral lesson in the book! I imagined several different learning activities around it as I was reading it. The central theme was the idea that superheroes help out in many ways, including taking care of one's self by exercising, eating right, and getting plenty of rest. I think that it would be great to have more children's books that support these values and promote a positive self image. There are several that I can think of right now. Having different themes would be helpful in reaching a larger variety of children because of their interests. For example, a child who is not into superheroes may like a book of dinosaurs that can convey a similar message.

Dael Reader · Post by **Dael Reader** » 02 Jul 2018, 14:51

I think it's fantastic. Superheroes don't need super-human powers. The best superheroes are the people who are just there for you when you need them. They're power is their care and concern and their willingness to spend time with family and friends, at work and at play. And yes, I think it would be great for this theme to be more prominent in other children's books, movies, and TV programs.

Jackie Holycross · Post by **Jackie Holycross** » 02 Jul 2018, 18:43

kfwilson6 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 20:55 I love the subtle lessons. I think the wonder of Toni is that he will make chores seem like fun activities rather than tasks one should want to hurry through because they aren't enjoyable.

Exactly. Any book that can encourage kids to do chores willingly is a winner.

Kat Berg · Post by **Kat Berg** » 02 Jul 2018, 23:26

This is such a great question! I think along the lines of others: Children want to be like superheroes, and seeing Toni do things that they have to do or like to do, makes them able to connect with a superhero. I have a friend who loves Batman because he is a tortured soul (and my friend views himself in this somewhat overly dramatic way). I would rather he wanted to be like Toni!

holsam_87 · Post by **holsam_87** » 03 Jul 2018, 01:03

Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 21:31
holsam_87 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 21:09
kfwilson6 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 20:55 I love the subtle lessons. I think the wonder of Toni is that he will make chores seem like fun activities rather than tasks one should want to hurry through because they aren't enjoyable.
I agree with this completely. It will correlate to school as well. In the district that I work at, if kids are seen doing good things, then they receive a slip known as a "gold dog." They can then put their slips in a box to be drawn for a prize. Whole class incentives are called "red dogs" which allow classes to get a fun activity like a movie or an ice cream party.
Wow!!! That is very encouraging and constructive!

They also do what's known as being a self-manager, which means that they manage their own behaviors and then participate in an activity if they do well.

Heiress · Post by **Heiress** » 03 Jul 2018, 15:11

Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 09:59 Did anyone else notice how the author introduced subtle moral lessons?
Your immediate perception of a superhero is someone with super powers. Toni is introduced as a superhero, not just because he has super powers, but also because he helps out in the house, does his chores, etc.

What do you think of this? And, do you think this is something that children authors can adopt in their writing?

So many moral lessons to be learnt not only for the kids but for the adults as well.Some Adults are still acting like children even in thier youth Age.please be humble and lowly to not only your parents but elders you find outside in your society.

Charlaigne · Post by **Charlaigne** » 03 Jul 2018, 22:09

Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:53
Bookmermaid wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:13
Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 09:59 Did anyone else notice how the author introduced subtle moral lessons?
Your immediate perception of a superhero is someone with super powers. Toni is introduced as a superhero, not just because he has super powers, but also because he helps out in the house, does his chores, etc.

What do you think of this? And, do you think this is something that children authors can adopt in their writing?
I think it is part of the beauty of this book, the practical and realistic everyday chores he does. If I had a little brother as a little girl who began to help washing dishes because he wanted to be like his superhero I would be thrilled.
I absolutely agree with you! Unfortunately, none of my brothers read this book when they were younger!

Me too! Why didn't my brother (and for that matter, my boyfriend) read this when they were younger! Would have been ever so helpful.
For the record, my boyfriend's mother did apologise to me.

Charlaigne · Post by **Charlaigne** » 03 Jul 2018, 22:10

teacherjh wrote: ↑02 Jul 2018, 18:43
kfwilson6 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 20:55 I love the subtle lessons. I think the wonder of Toni is that he will make chores seem like fun activities rather than tasks one should want to hurry through because they aren't enjoyable.
Exactly. Any book that can encourage kids to do chores willingly is a winner.

This is the main reason I liked the book. I thought it was a positive way to introduce the concept of chores and responsibility.

Lolababs94 · Post by **Lolababs94** » 04 Jul 2018, 01:05

Charlaigne wrote: ↑03 Jul 2018, 22:09
Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:53
Bookmermaid wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:13

I think it is part of the beauty of this book, the practical and realistic everyday chores he does. If I had a little brother as a little girl who began to help washing dishes because he wanted to be like his superhero I would be thrilled.
I absolutely agree with you! Unfortunately, none of my brothers read this book when they were younger!
Me too! Why didn't my brother (and for that matter, my boyfriend) read this when they were younger! Would have been ever so helpful.
For the record, my boyfriend's mother did apologise to me.

Oh my! Well, good for you! My only hope is to raise my children to help, otherwise, I'm on my own in that kitchen.

Charlaigne · Post by **Charlaigne** » 04 Jul 2018, 04:40

Lolababs94 wrote: ↑04 Jul 2018, 01:05
Charlaigne wrote: ↑03 Jul 2018, 22:09
Lolababs94 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2018, 10:53

I absolutely agree with you! Unfortunately, none of my brothers read this book when they were younger!
Me too! Why didn't my brother (and for that matter, my boyfriend) read this when they were younger! Would have been ever so helpful.
For the record, my boyfriend's mother did apologise to me.
Oh my! Well, good for you! My only hope is to raise my children to help, otherwise, I'm on my own in that kitchen.

Lolababs, we need more mothers like you!

Elizabeth Pass · Post by **Elizabeth Pass** » 05 Jul 2018, 07:24

The synopsis explains that Toni is a superhero but that the book is about what he does when he's not using his powers. It's more accurate to say no one is too important to help out than to say his superpowers are his ability to help.

chelhack · Post by **chelhack** » 05 Jul 2018, 22:23

I really like your post and I do agree that there is a big moral lesson for other children to be able to relate things such as helping animals as well as engaging in the other varies activities. I think this is a great story and just a great in the way it reflects Toni as the superhero he is.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 05 Jul 2018, 23:10

I like subtle moral lessons in this book. I enjoyed reading books like that as a child.

The fact that Toni is a superhero that does everyday things is a nice touch, not only because it may encourage the children to copy their superhero, but also it might cause them to appreciate time, the time it takes a person to do something is a very valuable gift. That is something that is often overlooked. Perhaps books like this can change perceptions.