Heidi E.Y. Stemple didn’t want to be a writer when she grew up. She became a probation officer, before joining the family business at age 28, when her first short story was published in a book called Famous Writers and Their Kids Write Spooky Stories. The daughter of Jane Yolen, Heidi has since published more than 35 books and many short stories and poems. She lives on a farm in Massachusetts.Alexandra Colombo has illustrated more than 200 books in countries around the world. She was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and attended secondary school in Italy, specializing in scientific studies. She then studied at the Milan European Institute of Design, receiving a degree in illustration. Alexandra’s charming artwork captures the magic, idiosyncrasies and unique personalities of children and animals in memorable, colorful settings. She lives in Milan, Italy.

"Can a girl who’s afraid of her own birthday presents become a superhero?Zoey Zoombeck looks askance at the yo-yo her brother, Aaron, gives her: 'That seems unsafe.' And what if she tumbles off the bike from her two dads? Then Aunt Miriam’s package arrives: a purple superhero cape and a matching one for Afikomen, her cat. The pair don their gifts, and the next day, Zoey is a changed child. In Zoey’s imagination, the duo save kids from a train wreck, stop a rock avalanche from falling on a family, and rescue an older woman from a stampede of animals. Zoey becomes brave enough to ride her new bike, but later that day her cape goes missing. Abba (Hebrew for Father) sends her out to find Afikomen. She sees him…up a tree. How will she get him down? Without her cape, Zoey is afraid, but her love for her pet helps her persevere. This simply told story is imbued with an overlay of Jewish meaning; Zoey’s cat is named after the matzoh eaten at the Passover meal’s end, while backmatter explains the concept of ometz lev, Hebrew for 'strength of the heart.' Zoey’s transformation and her wild fantasies should be useful in families with fearful children of their own. In Colombo’s bright, energetic illustrations, Zoey and Aaron are tan-skinned; their parents are slightly paler. Backmatter includes instructions for making a cape.Just the thing to turn scaredy-cats into caped crusaders. (Picture book. 4-8)"—Kirkus Reviews"In Heidi Stemple’s adorable picture book, the reader meets young and apprehensive Zoey, who has recently celebrated her birthday with her family, which consists of her two dads and her older brother, Aaron. All of the presents she has received—a yoyo, marbles, and a bike—are big red flags for her super-cautious nature. Her attitude shifts when she opens a gift from Aunt Miriam: a beautiful purple cape, personalized with her initials. Her amiable gray tabby cat, Afikomen, is her faithful sidekick. Emboldened by her gift, Zoey suddenly becomes a superhero of everyday adventures, be it at school, the deli or the vet’s office. Turning mundane events into imaginary narrow escapes, where this young superhero (and cat) saves the day. In fact, with her newfound confidence, she feels comfortable riding her new bike and courageously races to the playground to continue her heroic work, saving children from accidents that they do not seem to know are waiting for them. After her much deserved relaxing bubble bath, she discovers that her superhero cape is gone! And so is Afikomen. Her Abba assures her that her cape is safe, just being washed and dried. Whew! But what will she do if an emergency arises while her cape is drying and not available to boost her confidence? As she searches for Afikomen outside, her bravery is tested as she sees the cat is stuck up a tree. Will she have the courage, without her cape, to put herself in harm’s way to do what needs to be done? It takes all of her fortitude to overcome her fears to find a way to save her beloved Afikomen. 'Cape or no cape, Zoey Zoombeck was a superhero!' Zoey’s dads and older brother cheer for her. Colombo’s illustrations do a beautiful job conveying the characters’ expressions and highlight the details in the story, adding to the gentle humor. After the story, there is a note from Zoey sharing her thoughts about courage. And for a special bonus, there are simple instructions for making a cape out of a pillowcase. Recommended for all collections."—Association of Jewish Libraries