The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Captain Underpants
#1 of 12 in Captain Underpants Series
on Goodreads (633)
What’s inside...
Pilkey plays with words and pictures, providing great entertainment. The story is immediately engaging—two fourth-grade boys who write comic books and love to pull pranks find themselves in big trouble. Mean Mr. Krupp, their principal, videotapes George and Harold setting up their stunts and threatens to expose them. The boys' luck changes when they send for a 3-D Hypno-Ring and hypnotize Krupp, turning him into Captain Underpants, their own superhero creation. Later, Pilkey includes several pages of flip-o-ramas that animate the action. The simple black-and-white illustrations on every page furnish comic-strip appeal. The cover features Captain Underpants, resplendent in white briefs, on top of a tall building. This book will fly off the shelves. Celebrate the 25th and a half anniversary of THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS with a special edition featuring a BRAND NEW 32-page DOG MAN comic! George and Harold are best friends who enjoy making their own comic books. Together they've created the greatest superhero in the history of their elementary school: Captain Underpants! His true identity is SO secret, even HE doesn't know who he is! Tra-la-laaaaa! It's can't-miss fun! After the Captain Underpants adventure, join George and Harold as they share their never-before-seen bonus comics: Captain Underpants Meets Dog Man and Dog Man and the League of Misfits. The Adventures of Captain Underpants is the first book in the worldwide bestselling Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey. Dive into the newest graphic novel in the Dog Man series: Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea. For even more adventures, creativity, and humor, join Flippy and Li'l Petey in the Cat Kid Comic Club series. Reading gives you superpowers!
Character compass
George Beard
Harold Hutchins
Dr. Diaper
Mr. Benjamin Krupp / Captain Underpants
Discussion points
What qualities make Captain Underpants a hero, and why do these matter?
How do George and Harold use their creativity to solve problems? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem creatively?
What does friendship mean in this story? How do George and Harold support each other?
How does this book make you feel about standing up against wrongdoing? What would you do in a similar situation?
What lesson do you think Captain Underpants teaches about courage and facing fears?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the themes of heroism, friendship, and creativity. Ask them to relate their own experiences to those of the characters. Highlight the importance of teamwork and how each character contributes in their unique way. Discuss the moral dilemmas presented and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, fostering empathy and ethical thinking. Finally, celebrate the humor in the book and how it makes the reading experience enjoyable, promoting a positive attitude towards reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: George and Harold, the protagonists, use their inventive minds to write comics and ultimately bring Captain Underpants to life. Their creativity is central to the storyline.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities like drawing or storytelling, enhancing their imaginative capabilities and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The strong bond between George and Harold is evident throughout the book. They work together to face challenges and support each other's creative endeavors.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of teamwork and cooperating with friends to overcome obstacles, promoting healthy social development.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The pranks that George and Harold play at school lead to various consequences, some humorous and others more serious, demonstrating the effects of their choices.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their actions have impacts and encourages them to think about the outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Amidst their mischievous antics, the duo often encounters characters who are misunderstood or underappreciated, like their principal, Mr. Krupp.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more empathetic and understanding towards others, recognizing that everyone has their own challenges and stories.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the hurdles and mishaps, George and Harold always manage to find humorous and creative solutions to their problems.
Real-World Application: Illustrates the importance of resilience and trying again, even when faced with difficulties, fostering a mindset of persistence among young readers.