The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!): 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition
#1 of 12 in Captain Underpants Series
on Goodreads (55,770)
What’s inside...
The story revolves around two pranksters, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who hypnotize their cruel school principal and turn him into their comic book creation, Captain Underpants. Young readers will laugh out loud at this action-packed, easy-to-read chapter book by award-winning author and Caldecott Honor illustrator Dav Pilkey. Introducing FLIP-O-RAMA, a wonderfully silly and fun-filled illustration technique that allows readers to animate the action.
Discussion points
What qualities make George and Harold good friends? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like they do?
Captain Underpants often faces challenges. What's a challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
How do you feel about the way Captain Underpants deals with the bad guys? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
What did you think of the new Dog Man comic included in this edition? How do the stories of Dog Man and Captain Underpants compare?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about friendship and courage, which are central themes in the book. Help them draw parallels between their lives and the adventures within the story. Highlight the importance of creativity and humor, which are ever-present in Dav Pilkey's work, and discuss how these elements enhance storytelling and enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters George and Harold demonstrate deep friendship and teamwork as they navigate their adventures. They support each other and work together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cultivating and relying on friendships in their own lives, learning to collaborate and support their friends in various situations.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The central characters in the story often use their creativity to write comics and deal with challenges. Their imaginative solutions are crucial to the plot's progression.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of using their imagination to think outside the box, which can be applied in academic settings, problem-solving, and expressing themselves through art or writing.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the humorous misadventures of Captain Underpants, consequences of actions are highlighted in a way that resonates with young readers, demonstrating the importance of being responsible.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions in daily life, emphasizing the need to act responsibly at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story displays moments where characters show understanding and compassion towards each other, even when they make mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and situations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment among peers.