“Captain Underpants” by Dave Pilkey
If you like stories that are simple but also clever, then this is the book you are looking for. The plot is about two boys, George and Harold, who like to draw comics and are famous pranksters in their school.
One day their principal catches them setting up a series of stunts and threatens them. For a while he makes them do his chores, but soon the boys find a way out. They hypnotize their principal and make him into a superhero they drew—Captain Underpants.
The story reveals a lot about the dominating relationship between adults and children. The central source of humor comes from the main characters’ brilliant strategy to reverse this relationship and have fun with it.
The book is filled with funny cartoons and jokes that are sometimes disgusting but always entertaining.
Funniest quote:
“George and Harold were usually responsible kids. Whenever anything bad happened, George and Harold were usually responsible.”
Very few people would have truly wondered about the love stories of gazelles or oxen. This book proves that if such a relationship would ever become real, then it would be nothing short of hilarious.
The story is told through a collection of letters where a love-struck and adamant Ox tries to impress a celebrity Gazelle. The joyful illustrations make the book truly memorable.
This may seem like it is a book for children, but adults can understand the theme of unrequited love and appreciate the way the author plays with language.
Funniest quote:
“You are so graceful and fine. Even when you are running from tigers you are like a ballerina who is running away from tigers.”