All children believe their mom is the best (at least until they turn into teenagers), but how many have thought their moms might have superpowers? “Matthew’s Mom was like all the other moms. She had ordinary hair, ordinary clothes, and a nice smile.... / Except she could see through things. Matthew was pretty sure she had X-ray vision.” How else could she have known that Matthew was wrestling with a giant sea monster in his bath when she wasn't even in the room? Or that he had all the saucepans in the yard, when she in the kitchen? McAllister’s wry tale explores a not-uncommon childhood article of faith. The deadpan text unfolds with total believability. Matthew's faith is momentarily shaken when he decides to test mom's extraordinary power by hiding in a closet, but his conclusion that his mom really is ordinary, "like all the rest," is short-lived. How could she possibly have known he had stashed a bag of chips under his sweater?! Smith’s digital collages incorporate cartoony line-and-color drawings with funky prints and textures for a lively and engaging complement to the text. The endpapers depict Matthew’s “Evidence Report” revealing his ordinary mom (complete with sensible shoes) and her secret identity, Supermom (flowing red cape and rocket boots). It's a rare kid who won't be able to identify with and chuckle at this one. (Picture book. 3-6)
