Marv and the Mega Robot

By Author / Illustrator

Alex Falase-Koya, Paula Bowles

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

OUP Children's Books

ISBN

9780192780423

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-02-2022

Synopsis

Marvin is an ordinary boy who loves spending time with Grandpa, reading comics, and making science experiments with his best friend Joe. But everything changes when he discovers a mysterious superhero suit hidden in the attic . . . to his amazement, Marvin learns that he is next in a long line of superheroes. Now the time has come to meet his destiny!

When the Science Fair is thrown into chaos by super-villain Mastermind and her giant robot, Marvin is the only one who can stop them. Will Marvin be brave enough to step into his power-and into his superhero suit-to become the great and marvellous superhero Marv?

The first book in a powerful series of one boy's journey to unlock the superhero within. Find out what inspired Alex Falase-Koya to write the Marv series! And for more super-suit adventures powered by kindness and imagination, read Marv and the Humongous Hamster; Marv and the Pool of Peril; Marv and the Blizzard Zone; Marv and the Killer Plants; Marv and the Dino Attack; Marv and the Mega Robot

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Reviews

Amanda

In Marv and the Mega Robot, the first in the Marv series, Marvin makes a robot for his school science fair with his friend Joe. They call it the read-aloud 3000 as it can read words from paper. But when the robot breaks, Marvin is understandably upset, especially as another boy laughs at them. At home, he talks to his grandad who asks him to get something from the loft.

Marvin thinks superheroes are cool, but no-one believes they're real, do they? Yet in the loft he finds a suitcase with a superhero outfit inside. Marvin learns his grandad was a superhero when he was younger and now it's Marvin's turn; when he puts on the suit, he becomes MARV, a superhero! The suit has suction boots and ropes to save him when he falls. Not only that, but there's also a robot sidekick, Pixel, who is overjoyed to be of use again. Can Marvin take on the mantle of superhero?

Marvin's super suit can do all kinds of amazing things, giving its wearer amazing superpowers. This is put to the test when the supervillain Mastermind turns up at the school Science Fair with her evil mega robot, and Marv has to step in and save the day - with Pixel's help, of course.

This beautifully illustrated early chapter book is fast paced with plenty of adventure for young readers just making the transition from picture books, or pupils that really love books with dynamic illustrations. Marv himself is an inspiring black superhero, and the story's focus on the importance of friendship and creativity creates an inclusive and welcoming background for a super science adventure. This is a perfect page turner and will leave you wanting to read the rest of the series.

128 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher