From Publishers Weekly
A glance at the title and the comic-book lettering on the jacket will almost inevitably recall Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants books; moreover, like that series' heroes, Whatley and Smith's (Whatley's Quest) protagonist is obsessed with alien invaders. Told in comic-book format, the story is narrated by Brian, a superhero wannabe who hears strange sounds late one night and is convinced that aliens are afoot. He dons a red cape and matching eye mask, plus his "utility belt," then wakes up his older sister, Jessie ("I, Captain Pajamas, Defender of the Universe, have come to save you!" he tells her). They tiptoe through the house and find what appear to be logical causes for the various noises. Jessie grows increasingly irritated and finally orders the still-suspicious Brian back to bed. Predictably (at least for presiding adults), the story ends with a view of a three-eyed green creature happily munching pizza in Jessie's bed. The text is dryly humorous ("Even we Defenders of the Universe have to be patient sometimes"), and there are numerous clever visual images, including the "Captain Pajama Remote-Control, Techno-Robotic Alien Communicator" (made from a box of cornflakes, a broom, a xylophone, etc.). An amusing outing. Ages 3-8. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-An alien, a superhero, an older sister, and plenty of sound effects come together, along with a trusty, drooling dog, to create a winning picture book with lots of kid appeal. One night when he hears strange noises, Brian turns into Captain Pajamas, Defender of the Universe, complete with mask and cape, and attempts to save his sister. Jessie, however, simply wants to go back to bed, and as they explore the source of the sounds together, it appears that it is his dog, Shadow, causing the ruckus. Despite the flashing light on his "Remote-Control, Techno-Robotic, Alien Communicator," Brian eventually abandons his quest and goes back to bed. Children will delight in the surprise ending on the last page when a pizza-munching, TV-watching, green alien is shown lying happily beside Jessie in bed. Told in a moment-by-moment, first-person narrative and illustrated with bright, action-packed, humorous drawings resembling enlarged comic-book frames, this book will be hard to keep on the shelf. As in any good comic, the pictures carry the story, but the text is strategically placed so that together they make a satisfying package. A good read-aloud that would also work well with older reluctant readers.
Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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