Picturebook Review: The Daily Comet: Boy Saves Earth from Giant Octopus!

The Daily Comet: Boy Saves Earth from Giant Octopus!, written by Frank Asch and illustrated by Devin Asch, is a picture book for the older set, perhaps children around six would enjoy it but the children nine and older would get the most from the book. The story takes place on take your son to work day, and Hayward is going with his father to work at the Daily Planet. Hayward's father is a reporter, by Hayward is convinced that the fantastical stories the paper publishes are all made up. As his father and the photographer, who happens to look an awful lot like Elvis, go about their day with Hayward explaining away everything they see. Such as a hatching dinosaur egg, having Sasquatch as a cab driver, a metal dissolving elixir, and a giant chicken. But can Hayward explain away the giant metal octopus that landed in Central Park or will he become part of the next story?

The Daily Comet: Boy Saves Earth from Giant Octopus! is a creative and fun story full of references that adults will love. Hayward's father looks like Clark Kent and works at the Daily Comet. The photographer looks and dresses like Elvis. In one page it looks like the Queen of England is part of the crowd. The pictures look like retro images, just shy of photography, that really give the feel of a tabloid paper. The images and outrageous situations will grab the attention of all ages, but I think the adults that get a look at this picturebook will enjoy it the most. I recommend taking a look at it with the whole family, and seeing who can spot the cultural references and ironic cast of the story.