"You just never know when fake doggy doo-doo is going to come in handy!"

Well, I haven't even been doing this a week, and I've already missed a day. Fortunately, I don't believe in dwelling on my failings.

If you don't recognize the quote in today's headline, than you haven't read The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey. Don't feel badly. It was published in 1997, and I just got around to reading it a week or so ago. It's been getting a lot of attention (until now, from everyone but me), and deservedly so.

Personally, I think the title is self-explanatory. I will just say that though there is an adult in the story, kids are in control, which is exactly how things should be in a good kids' book. The plot doesn't drag at all and had a couple of twists that took this reader totally by surprise. There should be plenty here for an independent reader of elementary school age (and older) to enjoy. Adults reading it to younger kids should have a good time, too.

Warning: Some grown-ups may think there's too much toilet humor in this book. I don't happen to be one of them. All I can say to those who take offense is--there's a picture of a guy in his underpants on the cover. What did you expect?

Visit a great Web site: Pilkey's Web Site O' Fun! Be sure to stop by "Stuff for Boring Teachers."