Horned Toad Has a Superpower
Published on 12. May 2026
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-0-593-70002-0 (ISBN)
Description
The Texas desert may be hard living for some, but not for a little lizard called the horned toad. Between lounging in the hot sun, snacking on ants, and chatting with his new friend Owlet, things are pretty easy. Some might even say it's a laid back life . . . unless of course he's about to get eaten. Then, and only then will he show off a trick so wacky and weird, it will make you run for the hills (just like his predators). That's right folks, this toad has a superpower!
Ready to find out what it is? You won't believe your eyes!
Ready to find out what it is? You won't believe your eyes!
Reviews / Votes
A Junior Library Guild Selection"Splashy facts and fun in sand and saguaro country . . . As it turns out, the horned toad can do something that will have audiences of young readers . . . chorusing 'DO IT AGAIN! DO IT AGAIN!'" -Kirkus Reviews
"Horned Toad may seem laid back with his Texas drawl, but this small lizard has a big secret and is ready to show it off. . . The humor and gross factor will have readers clamoring for this fact-filled picture book" -School Library Journal
Praise for Stinkbird Has a Superpower:
WINNER 2024 Buckeye Book Award (OH)
A Fuse #8 Best Book of the Year
* "This comical picture book about the Amazonian hoatzin swoops in to delight readers with funny facts, and Shea's smooth and textural digital illustrations and eye for composition effectively create a child-like stinkbird perspective . . . Educational narration pairs with bantering dialogue to portray a loving relationship between father and son." -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"Cheerful and humorous . . . a treat for a nature-themed storytime. A lively glimpse of a weird and wonderful bird." -Kirkus Reviews
"Effusive . . . The peppy, unmistakably fact-forward text gets plenty of zhuzh via digital images by Shea. Flat, tropical colors and layers of leaves convey the rainforest's lushness while providing a suitably theatrical backdrop for an idiosyncratic family's celebration of pride." -Publishers Weekly
Praise for Parrotfish Has a Superpower:
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Yellowhammer Picture Book Award nominee (AL); Capitol Choices (DC), Mockingbird List (TX)
A Fuse #8 Best Book of the Year (3 lists: funny, nonfiction, and science and nature)
"Informative, funny, and engaging. . . The lively presentation and ick factor make this a winner. A strikingly original look at a most unusual marine creature." -Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Polecat Has a Superpower:
"Another lively and engaging presentation from a talented pair . . . Both the narrative and the colorful cartoon illustrations brim with appealing humor. These animals have plenty of personality." -Kirkus Reviews
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Penguin Putnam Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Kindergarten to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 5 to 8 years
Product notice
Picture book
Illustrations
FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 280 mm
Width: 231 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
392 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-593-70002-0 (9780593700020)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Jill Esbaum
Horned Toad Has a Superpower
E-Book
05/2026
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
€6.49
Available for download
Persons
Jill Esbaum has written many books for children, including How to Grow a Dinosaur, Frankenbunny, and If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party. Several of her books have been nominated for state awards, and I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo! won SCBWI's Crystal Kite Award. She also enjoys writing kooky beginning reader stories like Thunder and Cluck, and a variety of nonfiction books. Follow her on Twitter @JEsbaum.
Bob Shea is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books, including the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur Vs. series, and the runaway smash hit Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great. He is an Eisner Award nominee and has worked with Comedy Central, PBS Kids, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., Google, and other clients. Follow him on Instagram @BobSheaBooks.
Bob Shea is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books, including the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur Vs. series, and the runaway smash hit Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great. He is an Eisner Award nominee and has worked with Comedy Central, PBS Kids, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., Google, and other clients. Follow him on Instagram @BobSheaBooks.