Yes, I Read Captain Underpants, and Maybe You Should, Too


Read enough adult nonfiction and fiction in a month, and then tell me you didn’t enjoy diving into the kooky and creative world Dav Pilkey offers in The Adventures ofCaptain Underpants.

One part palate cleanser after the above reading list, the children’s novel is also a wild ride through Pilkey’s mind. According to the book itself, Pilkey was once cast out into the hallways during his school days because he was too disruptive. There in his seclusion, he drew, and laid the foundation for his successful career telling tale of a man in just underwear and cape, saving the world.

Only a small section of the book focuses on how Pilkey’s career started. The rest goes to the unsuspecting hero. Spoiler Alert: this is an origin story, and Captain Underpants’ true identity is the principal of a school attended by the book’s two main characters, George and Harold. Pilkey gives two relatable boys in George and Harold, making it easier for kids (and adults) to find themselves in the adventures. The two boys love to make mischief, and hypnotize their nasty school leader into the titular hero. 

The Captain thwarts bank robbers and the evil Dr. Diaper, who is trying to conquer Earth by blowing up the moon and taking over when the falling moon chunks disrupt our planet. The book thrives when it’s at its silliest, as when Captain Underpants wins battle by way of plastic doo doo. It’s easy to buy the zaniness because Pilkey is zany from page one, and never lets up. By the time Dr. Diaper shows up with his warrior robots, the reader has bought their ticket. 

Thanks to Jess Emberely Teague for recommending Captain Underpants. I think it was her son’s suggestion, and neither, from what I recall, could believe it actually made my reading list. 


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