Summary: Harold and George are pranksters at their school but they also write a comic book called Captain Underpants. One day, Principal Krupp catch them doing their pranks and decides to punish them by doing chores for him. Harold and George become fed up and decide to hypnotize Principal Krupp and turn him into Captain Underpants. Little did they know that they were unable to reverse the hypnosis completely and now Principal Krupp turns into Captain Underpants from hearing fingers snapping.
Citation: Pilkey, D. (1997). The adventures of Captain Underpants: An epic novel. New York: Blue Sky Press.
Impression: This was a fun book to read especially with the creative illustrations and storyline. Captain Underpants could definitely appeal to a reluctant male reader because of the similarities between the main characters and an adolescent male reader. This book could be construed as silly and immature but that is probably why adolescents love this book and parents don't. It is hard to believe that this book is a banned book in parts of the country, but unfortunately what appeals to kids may not be considered ideal literature by adults.
Review:
LaJuan (BookHive)
George and Harold are two smart but mischievous boys. Their practical jokes get them into trouble with Mr. Krupp, the school principle, and he punishes them. The duo gets back at Mr. Krupp by hypnotizing him and making him think he’s Captain Underpants, a comic superhero that they’ve created. Unfortunately, it gets out of control when Mr. Krupp (or CaptainUnderpants) tries to outwit the evil, Dr. Diaper! Not only are there plenty of zany moments in the story, but some really fun illustrations that make it enjoyable. Get ready for some laugh out loud action with George, Harold and Captain Underpants!
LaJuan. [Review of the book The adventures of Captain Underpants by D. Pilkey]. BookHive. Retrieved from http://www.bookhive.org
Stephanie Zvirin (Booklist)
The title and the cover art, which depicts a toothy, egg-shaped fellow in a red cape and jockey shorts, are designed to keep this chapter book in constant circulation. The story is a superhero spoof: two misbehaving fourth-grade boys, Harold and George, hypnotize their school principal and turn him into their comic book creation, Captain Underpants. The boys have their hands full when the captain escapes and starts chasing bad guys in his underwear. The extra leading and slightly enlarged typeface make for easier reading, but the silliness goes overboard (picture villainous Dr. Diaper staring at a pile of rubber doggy doo), and the many action-packed illustrations rob the plot of some of its zip by commanding more than their share of attention. (The flip book pages seem clever, but they're really just a tease). Still, the humor is on target for some kids in this age group, who will undoubtedly look forward to a planned second adventure--Captain Underpants 2: Attack of the Talking Toilets.
Zvirin, A. (1997, July). [Review of the book The adventures of Captain Underpants by D. Pilkey]. Booklist, 93(21).
Uses: This is the perfect book for a "Boys Only" book club between the ages 8-12. Since there are a few more books in this series the club could focus on Captain Underpants for a month or two. Also, this is a banned book in some parts of the U.S. and it could be highlighted during "Banned Books Week" at the school or public library.
No comments:
Post a Comment