THE UNDERPANTS

Farm animals set a unique fashion trend.

Finding a pile of clean laundry, Kitty jumps into the basket to enjoy the warmth. She finds a certain article of clothing that makes her very excited. She drapes the “coat” over her shoulders and goes for a walk around the barnyard. On the porch, she meets Dog, who asks, “What are you doing in those underpants?” Kitty insists that the garment is a coat, and Dog asks to wear it, too. Dog piles into the underpants, and the two of them meet Pig, Rooster, and Cow, and the cycle repeats itself, causing the garment to stretch out further and further each time another animal joins the coat-wearing huddle. Finally, Bird squeezes in, causing Cow to sneeze, and everyone is forcibly ejected from their tightknit group. The animals accept that their fun is over, and Kitty brings the (very stretched) underpants back to the farmhouse. In the author’s note, Sauer states that this story is inspired by Jan Brett’s The Mitten (1989), which in turn is based on a Ukrainian tale. This much sillier variation centers on a pair of standard white briefs and employs a setting similar to Sauer’s childhood home. Cull’s illustrations resemble a kooky comic strip, perfect for Sauer’s goofy humor. The only human character, the farmer, is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sure to elicit laughter.