Flush with humor: Kids love Captain Underpants
Published: 1/22/2013 8:41 AM
Last Modified: 1/22/2013 9:14 AM
Last week Scholastic books released "Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers." It's the 10th in a series of books about two mischievous fourth-graders, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, and their superhero who battle evildoers such as Professor Poopypants (also known as Tippy Tinkletrousers), Wedgie Woman and Dr. Diaper.
The best-selling books are known for their potty humor and pranks, and they have captured the hearts and funny bones of kids across the country.
The books have garnered a large following, and many of them have made the New York Times bestsellers list.
Earon Cunningham, a library media specialist at Zarrow International School and head of the association for Oklahoma School Librarians, said the series has been popular for the more than 12 years she's been a librarian. "They continue to be some our most circulated books," she said.
She praised the books and author Dav Pilkey for his ability to draw kids into reading. "I think of books like this as gateway books to more complex literature. Librarians get the opportunity to suggest other titles once we have hooked them into reading," Cunningham said.
She said the only drawback to the series is that kids tend to return to books they like over and over. When librarians establish a relationship with students, they are able to give the kids recommendations and expand their reading habits, she added.
The irreverent tone of the Captain Underpants series has earned huge fans. Whether the boys are battling Robo Boogers or talking toilets, kids feel it is their doody -- I mean, duty -- to laugh.
"Bathroom humor makes all kids laugh. It has also been known to make a few adults giggle as well," Cunningham said.
But not everyone is a fan of the books. Complaints range from purposely misspelled words and bad grammar to more serious issues.
According to the American Library Association, the series is one of the most challenged -- with complaints of violence, offensive language and being unsuitable for the age group. More than once it has landed in the year's top 10 most challenged books. Find the lists here.
While Dav Pilkey's books may not be for everyone's taste (my second-grader isn't a big fan, preferring Babymouse or -- believe it or not -- Archie comics), the author is providing an important service.
He's getting children to read. And what starts with Captain Underpants could turn into S.E. Hinton or Mark Twain in a few short years.
Here are a few books that librarian Earon Cunningham recommends for fans of Captain Underpants:
My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Conville
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Superfudge by Judy Blume
Babymouse series by Jennifer & Matt Holms
Stink series by Megan McDonald
Frankie Pickle series by Eric Wight
How to Eat Fries Worms by Thomas Rockwell
For more book suggestions, go to ReadKiddoRead.com. The website is part of author James Patterson's "mission to turn kids all across the nation into passionate, literate, and inspired readers."
Colleen Almeida Smith is a Tulsa World assistant editor and mother of a second-grader and a seventh-grader. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/colleenalmeida.
Written by
Colleen Almeida Smith
Staff Writer
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