There is no denying the one piece of clothing everyone can laugh at. It’s pants, of course! So no wonder that there are so many children’s books glorying in these unmentionables.
The Prince of Pants joins this proud group of pant-waving tomes with a bright and colourful story that’s bound to cause a giggle.
Read on to take a peek inside!
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The Prince of Pants by Alan MacDonald and Sarah McIntyre
Prince Pip is a young (BAME, we’re pleased to see) prince waking up on his birthday morning. Like any self-respecting prince, he has a vast collection of underwear. His first task of the day, therefore, is to decide which ones to wear.
The illustrator has had great fun with these – I love Prince Pip’s ragged pirate pants. However, for me, nothing can top those glorious frilly-shirted evening pants, complete with bow-tie.
But disaster has struck, and Prince Pip’s prized pants collection (try saying that ten times fast) is missing!
Where are the pants?
With this mystery to solve, Prince Pip heads off through a castle that The Little Princess would feel very at home in. He asks everyone he meets if they have seen his pants. But no-one seems to be taking his predicament very seriously…
My kids love spotting the ridiculous places Prince Pip’s pants have ended up. It’s often a race to see who can see (or remember) where the pants are, and they also love to guess what these pants might be called.
But poor Prince Pip is having rather less fun. And despite the silliness of his problem, you can’t help but feel a little sympathy for him. It is his birthday, after all.
Alls well that ends well
But a book this colourful can’t end on a downer, and sure enough there is a happy end in sight. A surprise happy birthday, with all his pants (and some cheeky friends and family) all in attendance. And that’s not all, because the last page has a very special surprise for Pip… a new pair of glow-in-the-dark birthday pants! And yes, they really do glow.
The Prince of Pants is a fun and entertaining book, and my kids really enjoy it. The colours are hurt-your-eyes Day-Glo bright, and the illustrations are full of funny details that keep the kids amused even longer than the admittedly rather slight story. It’s a fun bedtime read, just remember to charge up that last page by holding it up to a light, before you start reading!
By the same author:
Alan MacDonald
Beware of the Bears!
by Alan MacDonald and Gwyneth Williamson
A hilarious picture book about the three bears’ attempt to take revenge on Goldilocks. This is one of my mischief-loving daughter’s favourites!
Sarah McIntyre
When Titus Took The Train
By Anne Cottringer and Sarah McIntyre
Another one that seems to be out of print, which is a shame because it looks like a lively adventure staring a mixed-race boy. Still copies on Amazon though, so snap ’em up!
Superkid
By Claire Freedman and Sarah McIntyre
Superkid is saving children from eating broccoli and doing chores, one terrible problem at a time…
Picture Books with Diverse Characters
Have you seen my full list of the best 23 picture books with diverse characters? Just like The Prince of Pants, all of these picture books feature black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) boys as main characters. Something that’s as rare as proverbial hen’s teeth in children’s books, and a problem I’ve written about here.
Check out the list to find out more about our favourites, and take a peek inside. If you like the look of this book, I’m sure you’ll find some others to love there too!
