The Practically Perfect Pajamas [Hardcover]

Erik Brooks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Percy Orlando Leonard Alexander Reginald Bear loves his colorful flannel pajamas more than anything else in the world. But there's one problem - all the other polar bears tease him for being the only one to wear pj's. Percy wants to fit in, so he reluctantly packs away his pajamas. The teasing ends, but Percy runs into a whole new set of problems. Distinctive color illustrations follow Percy through his troubles as he learns a meaningful lesson about the importance of being true to himself.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Percy the polar bear loves his colorful, footed pajamas. They keep him warm, protect his snowy white fur, and help him sleep. There is only one problem-the other polar bears tease and make fun of him. Only Aurora, a lovely Arctic fox, secretly admires Percy's spiffy outfit. So he gives in to peer pressure, sheds his garb, and is thoroughly miserable. The polar ice hurts his pads and he spills cocoa on his fur. But worst of all, he can't get a good night's sleep. To add insult to injury, his contemporaries still shun him. Wise Aurora convinces Percy to be himself and share his assorted pj's with the others until all of the bears are arrayed in colorful attire. The fast-paced, humorous text teaches an important lesson without being preachy, while the illustrations impart personality to the protagonists-Aurora and Percy-as well as to the supporting players. Brooks's use of bright primary colors for the clothing juxtaposed against the stark white of the Arctic snow will delight young listeners.
Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Percy the polar bear has a problem with peer pressure. He loves his bright red, star-studded, footed flannel pajamas. Unfortunately, the pj's are only "practically perfect" because the other polar bears, attired only in their Arctic fur, tease and ostracize Percy for being different. Percy tries to fit in by discarding his pajamas, but he finds life without them cold, dirty, and miserable. What's more, even after his sacrifice the other bears give him the cold shoulder. An Arctic fox, Aurora, who admires Percy for his individuality, inspires the bear to persist in being himself. Eventually, Percy and Aurora win the friendship of the other bears through an act of inspired generosity, providing a surprise twist and satisfying resolution to a story that every child can identify with. This is a jolly tale with eye-popping illustrations in watercolors and colored pencils. The polar bears' expressions and contortions are priceless. Connie Fletcher
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Winslow Pr; 1st edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890817228
• ISBN-13: 978-1890817220
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thanks for visiting this page and for investigating a little bit more about me and my books.

As and author AND illustrator, I often have the terrific job of illustrating a story for someone else. I spent most of my elementary school years living in Anchorage, Alaska so I have a special (although certainly not exclusive) place in my heart for all of my polar bear/arctic oriented books!

Illustrating several books a year keeps me very busy, but I also love sharing my work with schools and libraries around the country.

POLAR OPPOSITES (Fall 2010) and WHO HAS THESE FEET? (AUG. 2011) are my two latest creations, and I'm very proud of the story/concept and artwork in both. Check 'em out, and let me know what YOU think!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seattle Author Breaks the Ice First Time Out, June 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practically Perfect Pajamas (Hardcover)

This author's first book is perfect for reading aloud to children of all ages. My 4 year old loves it as much as my 9 year old. The illustrations are so captivating that a nonreader will enjoy 'reading' this book as much as a reader. The plot is creative and entertaining. Its gentle message is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

We heard that one of the pajamas pictured in the book actually belongs to the author's wife. Which pair do you think are hers? We'll never tell!

Message to the author; more Percy stories please.

You will enjoy this book, we did !

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They all cheered, April 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practically Perfect Pajamas (Hardcover)

I was a substitute librarian at an elementary school and read this book to a class of second graders. They were mesmerized by the story and actually cheered at the end. I'm ordering a copy for myself for my own library and to carry along with me as I substitute teach.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant author with outstanding pictures, November 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practically Perfect Pajamas (Hardcover)

Ever since I first saw the pictures hanging in our 8th grade classroom I knew that someone with a lot of talent would be showing us a book. I never thought you could have great pictures and storyline in the same book. This is a great book for everyone who like polar bears w/ funky pj's or not. I thought it was very interesting and you should try reading this book.