Happy Halloween! With Halloween quickly approaching, Dr. Toughlove thought it was an opportune time to review the book “Creepy Pair of Underwear!,” written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown.
Happy Halloween! With Halloween quickly approaching, Dr. Toughlove thought it was an opportune time to review the book “Creepy Pair of Underwear!”, written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner, Peter Brown.
Aaron Reynolds has written several books featuring Jasper Rabbit, a loveable, impish protagonist who is an excellent problem-solver. In “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” Jasper Rabbit and his mom go to the underwear store to buy white underwear. During their shopping outing, Jasper spots a display for Creepy Underwear. “So Creepy!” “So Comfy!” “They were glorious” (p. 4). Jasper Rabbit falls in love with the creepy underwear and his mom, against her better judgement, agrees to buy a pair. This purchase makes Jasper Rabbit feel very grown-up and he is elated.
The joy is short-lived, because when Jasper Rabbit gets home, puts on his creepy underwear and goes to bed, something very unusual happens…..the underwear glows! “A ghoulish, greenish glow” (p. 8).
Dr. Toughlove doesn’t want to give the story away, but let it suffice to say that Jasper Rabbit’s creative, persistent, problem solving saved the day. Jasper Rabbit does prevail in the end, thank goodness.
Adults reading this book aloud to children have ample opportunities to talk about perseverance and persistence. “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” might also open up a conversation about any fears children have and how they might address them.
Peter Brown’s delightful illustrations serve to enhance Aaron Reynolds’ words and embed subtleties and nuances that won’t be lost on the children. As is often the case, the youngsters will point out things that the adults might miss, and this book provides multiple opportunities for rich discussions. On Aaron Reynolds’ website, he has a YouTube video where he reads “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” aloud. Children (and adults for that matter), might get a kick out of hearing the person who wrote the words read this book with emphasis and feeling. Children might also want to read some of Aaron Reynolds’ other Jasper Rabbit creepy tales – “Creepy Carrots!” and his most recent book “Creepy Crayon!”.
“Creepy Pair of Underwear!” is suggested for ages 4-8 and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.