Superheroes in the Park
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 July 16, 2026
Author Ian Eagleton. Illustrations Hayley Wells.
Distributor: New South Books
ISBN: 978-1915659972
Publisher: Otter Barry Books
Release Date: 2 July 2026
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It is a very wintery day when a young girl goes to the park with her Dad and Daddy. The path is slippery and she dreams of sliding across the frost like a skater. This is where her parents learn a huge lesson. They stop her from sliding. When they reach the park, they stop her from climbing the ropes, saying the dreaded words, “Be careful, stop, you might get hurt.” She wants to play badly, but her parents feel everything is “Too high, too fast, or too slippery or too big.” Hugely frustrated, the girl stomps away, crying.
Her parents sit down with her and say, “This is new for all of us.” This is when the girl has an idea. She decides to show her family how to play and suggests they all do it together. First of all, they climb up the ropes and ladders which in turn become a ship on the high seas. There are pirates and terrifying sea monsters to contend with.
Next are the swings, where she sits on Dad’s lap and soars high into the sky passing birds as they swing. Then the monkey bars become a bridge to cross over a river with crocodiles snapping at their feet. Luckily, they get across safely. On the roundabout, they become superheroes, flying through the air. There are so many great things to do. The family climb trees, roll down the hill and walk with dinosaurs. No one is hurt!
Superheroes in the Park cleverly shows how a child might encourage parents who are “Careful,” to join in their game, rather than warn them about being safe. The illustrations are colourful and show the imaginary adventures with crocodiles and dinosaurs.