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Funny, STEAM, nonfiction picture book
Reviews
"While just the idea of underwear will produce giggles in some story time crowds, this book is playing for laughs while conveying historical facts." —School Library Journal
"Van Zandt chronicles tushie-wear from the 'beginning of buns' onward, pulling up garments such as the Maori maro and the sumo wrestlers' mawashi for closer examination as she sniffs at medieval and modern European undergarments and sanitary practices up to the modern (1935) Y-front undy." —Booklist
"Does your child show curiosity about underwear? It is a piece of clothing that is part of everyday life but can sometimes be taboo to talk about. A Brief History of Underpants by Christine Van Zandt breaks down this barrier with a book on the history of underwear from all over the world. It exposes kids to different cultures and customs by observing the evolution of fashion’s most unmentionable garment. The illustrations by Harry Briggs bring this to life, providing exciting visuals on what the different types of underwear looked like and how they were worn. It’s part history and part humor, giving a new way to learn about innovations around the globe. This book also includes fun activities like how to make a fundoshi, underwear worn by Japanese sumo wrestlers, which brings an interactive take to underpants history." —LA Parent magazine, 6/15/21
“Not only will this be a looked-forward-to nonfiction read for kids, but teachers and librarians can welcome the heightened interest this most delightful delve into a fashion staple provides.” —Good Reads with Ronna, 8/5/21
Best-selling author Aaron Reynolds says,
"I laughed my butt off! Not only is this book funny, but Christine Van Zandt delivers a veritable wedgie-whirlwind of utterly fascinating underwear info!"
Laugh and learn
A fast-paced, low word count book for ages 4-8, ideal for reluctant readers
History
Learn about underwear from the first fossilized pair until today
Multicultural
Facts from all seven continents
STEAM
Archaeological finds contributed to the history of underpants and the Industrial Revolution changed how underwear was made with its engineering inventions, technological advances, and innovations using textiles or other materials
Craft
Learn how to make a fundoshi--the Japanese loincloth worn by samurai
Beyond the book discussion
Once the giggles end, talk about it:
- In the book, name three different ways underwear was used.
(Hint: spiky plants, green parrot/plain woodhen skins, and Gandhi.)
- How have underpants changed over the years?
- How have underpants remained the same?
- What roles did inventions play?
- Have our reasons for wearing underwear changed?
- Are today's underpants better for us? Are they better for our planet?
- How can we study history if it keeps changing?