The Day We Danced in Underpants

July 1, 2008
PreS-Gr 1-An invite to picnic with the King and Queen of France brings a man, his son, two big dogs, and three wild aunts skipping and dancing along to the palace on a blisteringly hot day. Once there and about to be seated for a meal, poor Papa has a wardrobe malfunctionhis pants rip with a healthy "BRRRRRRPT!!," leaving him with his underwear exposed. The court dandies burst into laughter, but the day and Papa are saved when the King declares that everyone must strip down to undies to dance. Stock's airy, riotous watercolors are a perfect match for this silly rhyming tale. Her dancers leap and cavort across the color-filled pages, and the pantaloons, bloomers, and unmentionables allow the dancers a welcome coolness. This lesson in kindness and grace in ameliorating an embarrassing situation is one that grown-ups will appreciate, while the joie de vivre of the characters, rhyme, and art will have childrenwho are always game for an underwear adventuredancing to the rhythm."Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI"

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