The Adventures of Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
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Book Summary Information
Author: Dav PilkeyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-09-01
ISBN: 043908282X
Number of pages: 121
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Reviews of The Adventures of Captain Underpants
Book Review: Tra-La-Laaaaaaaa!
Summary: 4 Stars
Ah, Captain Underpants. The answer to the age old question of what to give boys who hate to read but are being forced to by somebody, whether a teacher or a relative or someone else entirely. There's something about Captain Underpants that is irresistible to a certain kind of boy or girl. I think it may have something to do with the combination of its comic book format, deeply silly plotlines, and the overall packaging. Whatever it is, when I'm at the children's desk of the library in which I work, I often see boys scurrying up to the desk to beg for help locating the "Captain Underpants section". These boys are sometimes accompanied by overly concerned parents who mumble things like, "I guess you can take it out... just so long as you don't own it" under their breath. For my own part, I wanted to see what all the fuss and folderol was about. What is it about Captain Underpants that leaves kids always wanting more? Whence its popularity? The first book that started it all is none other than "The Adventures of Captain Underpants", so I plucked it from a shelf and sat down to give it a good once over. A complete reading took roughly 30 minutes, if that. And my conclusion? Parents, if you want to be worried about what you child is reading, here is not the place to start. For though we could probably talk back and forth for hours about the relative merits of reading every single Captain Underpants creation, the fact of the matter is that the book is harmless fun. This is a popcorn book. It's light and fluffy and delightful. Just the kind of inane gibberish that'll lure kids to reading and keep them there. Its value is in its good natured humor and light-hearted storylines. It's not classy. It's just fun.
Everyone's got a nemesis. Superman has Lex Luthor. Batman has the Riddler. And George and Harold? Well these kids have one definite nemesis. Principal Krupp. For these merry pranksters, Krupp is a dangerous foe. Still, it isn't until the kids pull some elaborate tricks on the elementary school football team that Mr. Krupp catches them red handed. In an effort to escape their punishment, George and Harold order a hypnosis ring via The L'il Wiseguy Novelty Co. The ring is a great success and with it the two boys can get their principal to do whatever they want. When they decide to make him act like a comic book superhero they created, however, Mr. Krupp gets a little too into the act. Suddenly he IS Captain Underpants in the flesh. Worse still, George and Harold are having a lot of difficulty catching him to relieve him of the hypnosis. And meanwhile there are evil robots robbing the city of a powerful crystal and a supervillain named Doctor Diaper to contend with. It's up to Harold and George to defeat the villain, save the day, and keep Mr. Krupp safe. Not easy, but all in the day for a pair of mischief making kids.
I was a little amazed to learn that in the entire series, Captain Underpants is just a hypnotized Mr. Krupp. Who knew? The book is drawn very very simply. Pilkey has done quite a few picture books in his time, the best one perhaps being "Julius" which he illustrated for author Angela Johnson. This particular book utilizes a dozen different techniques to lure the attention of the kiddies. There's a makeshift flip-book section (entitled "Flip-o-Rama") which is very popular and copious illustrations. This is basically a comic book produced in book form with a lot of narration to go with the pictures. And yes, some of the jokes in the book are more than a little infantile. But for crying out loud people, it's a silly kid's book! What do you expect? Hamlet? I had a fun time reading through it, though certainly once was enough for me. Still, I can see the tale's allure.
If you're searching for something that will appeal to that kid who doesn't seem to like any books at all, this is a great place to start. There's underwear and fake doggy poop and itching powder and all sorts of craziness. It's not gonna win a Pulitzer anytime soon. It's not gonna win a Newbery Award anytime soon. But if there's ever a kid's choice award offered, it may well win one of those. A book to be taken with as much whimsy as you have on hand.
Summary of The Adventures of Captain Underpants
The first book in Dav Pilkey's mega-bestselling Captain Underpants series. Now with super-cool foil covers! Shiny! Fun!
George and Harold have created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school--and now they're going to bring him to life! Meet Captain Underpants! His true identity is so secret, even HE doesn't know who he is!
Acclaimed author and Caldecott Honor illustrator Dav Pilkey provides young readers with the adventure of a lifetime in this outrageously funny, action-packed, easy-to-read chapter book. With hilarious pictures on every page, THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS is great for both beginning and chapter-book readers. And like Dav's other best-selling books of humor, it is sure to provide even the most reluctant readers with hours of fun.
George and Harold have created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school--and now they're going to bring him to life! Meet Captain Underpants! His true identity is so secret, even HE doesn't know who he is!
Acclaimed author and Caldecott Honor illustrator Dav Pilkey provides young readers with the adventure of a lifetime in this outrageously funny, action-packed, easy-to-read chapter book. With hilarious pictures on every page, THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS is great for both beginning and chapter-book readers. And like Dav's other best-selling books of humor, it is sure to provide even the most reluctant readers with hours of fun.
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