Pizazz and Pizazz vs the New Kid

It’s not easy being a superhero- particularly when your superpower is SO embarrassing. Having to wear the same outfit all the time and not being able to miss school despite having been up all night fighting baddies also make the whole ‘super’ thing a bit of a nuisance. Pizazz’s parents are super-busy and her sister super-annoying, but her aunty Blaze is great for good advice and support.

Having to move and start a new school is also tricky. Her little sister, Red, who is super at everything, is thriving and finds making new friends easy, but not so Pizazz. Red ends up on the school council; Pizazz is given the role of eco-monitor. But when the local park is threatened, Pizazz has a chance to be super…even if it means everyone finding out about her incredibly embarrassing super power!

Sophy Henn has a wonderful way of bringing her characters vividly to life through text and through illustration. For all her super powers, Pizazz is so easy to relate to, overcoming very un-super issues like changing schools, making new friends, trying to fit in and feeling somewhat less super than the rest of your family. The comic strip sections of the story add much to the story in terms of action and fun, making the book doubly appealing to children who enjoy comic book action as well as a great book.

The story is permeated by the gentle humour Sophy is so well known for, but ‘Pizazz’ also has strong messages about the importance of community action and protecting the environment. Friendship, family and self belief are also important factors in the story which would make an excellent read aloud!

Sophy Henn’s super power is writing incredibly accessible, entertaining and brilliantly illustrated books and ‘Pizazz’ is no exception!

Pizazz Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471193989

Pizazz is back! When a new kid called Jett starts at school, Pizazz decides to befriend her as not only does Pizazz know what it’s like to be new somewhere, but Jett is a super. Things go from bad to worse when leader of The Populars, Serena, gets involved and decides there should be a ‘super-off’! What could possibly go wrong?

I love Pizazz. It is so easy to identify with this well intentioned, big hearted, self conscious, clumsy superhero. Constantly comparing herself to others and finding herself wanting, Pizazz had hoped to be Jett’s buddy and save her from the scorn and ridicule frequently heaped on Pizazz by The Populars. Being rejected by a fellow super makes her doubt herself even more and Pizazz feels she has no choice but to take up the super challenge even when she feels sure she will fail.

Ultimately, however, good sense triumphs and Pizazz finally realises that the Serenas of this world can only hurt us if we let them. Sophy’s reassuring and empowering message is bundled up in plenty of eye-rolling, lots of action and heaps of humour, but it shines through loud and clear for anyone who might need to hear it.

Sophy also allows the reader to see things from Jett’s point of view as Pizazz is offered words of advice from her Aunty Blaze, Uncle Titanoooooo (yes, it does have that many ‘o’s!) and her friends. The comic strip sections add so much to the story, making it pacey and accessible and Sophy’s illustrations are always a joy.

I cannot recommend these books highly enough! Sophy Henn truly is ‘Super Sophy’ and hopefully, there will be many adventures for Pizazz to come!

Pizazz vs the New Kid Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471194153