Spider-Man: Lift-A-Flap Sound Book (Play-a-Sound)

Background

This Audio Book is from our good friends at Publications International Ltd., although since 2014 they are now owned by Phoenix International Publications, Inc., part of the Chinese publishing conglomerate Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing Co.

Story Details

The product is 8" x 8.8" and features an audio panel with ten different sounds. If you count buttons on the panel, you'll see only eight audio buttons at first glance. But a sliding plastic door at the top gives you access to the Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus audio clips.

The story includes five double-page scenes. Each scene has one or two fold-out flaps which further advanced the plot.

The plot itself is adapted from and features artwork out of the The Amazing Spider-Man vs. Doctor Octopus (Origin Storybook), published in 2012 as part of Marvel's "Origin Storybook" retelling of Spidey's early adventures. Doc Ock is on a rampage at the hospital. Ock defeats Spidey. Later at Ock's hideout, Spidey defeats Ock.

General Comments

This is a very high-quality book. The components are solid and visually appealing. The cardboard is thick and the colours are bright, but they remain just on the safe side of "garish".

The story is concise, as you would expect from a five page plot. But it gets the job done with language which flows well. This is a story that can be read aloud to a child without cringing. Just ham it up and you'll have a great time.

Overall Rating

This is Spider-Man licensed material done well. In fact, I'd say this is right up the top end of the spectrum. It sets the benchmark for other tie-ins to achieve. The price tag of $15 Australian is fully deserved. This is a robust and attractive book that should do good service for many years.

I'm gonna give this one Five Webs.