Aliens Love Underpants - Book Review

This book was being promoted in Waterstones due to being a Richard and Judy's Children's Book Winner (age 5+). This is a breakfast show in the UK. Other books were also being promoted, but this one had a picture of aliens wearing underpants. That's how to make your book stand out! The sparklie title also helped.

'Aliens Love Underpants' is written by Claire Freedman and illustrated by Ben Cort.


Story: The story is told in verse. Aliens on their home planet admire Earthling underpants. They read underpant magazines and look at underpant statues. Soon they decide to climb into their flying saucers and come to Earth to find some underpants. Crazy hijinks ensue.

Art: The paintings are colourful and funny. I like the fact the aliens are so diverse. Some have trunks, some have eyestalks. They come in all shapes and sizes. As do the underpants.

Education Stuff: Your child will learn how important it is to keep an eye on the washing when you hang it out to dry. The language is aimed at the older end of picture book readers. There are some invented or unusual words (such as pants-tastic).

Overall: I found some of the lines of verse a bit awkward, but in places where the meaning was unclear the pictures clarified it. I don't think that's enough to stop a child enjoying the book, as it's a quirky concept and the basic storyline is simple. Don't be surprised if your children refuse to put on their underwear without checking it first. I'll certainly be checking mine a bit more carefully...