for reading alone. Dedicated to all the kids who insisted on an underwear book, this latest installment in the popular Arthur series is adapted from a PBS teleplay. When Binky bends over to pick up a piece of chalk, a loud RRRIPPP! reveals red polka-dot underwear. Arthur finds the situation hilariously funny, until he starts dreaming about being caught in his own white briefs. Arthur's friend Buster dispenses advice, but things come to a head when Buster informs other kids about Arthur's apprehension. Embarrassed that his secret is out, Arthur rushes to escape the cafeteria, ripping his jeans and realizing his worst fear. Ironically, the incident ends up curing him. Fans will appreciate the humor in this bright title with its familiar cartoonlike illustrations, but a few kids might relate to the story with embarrassed giggles of their own. (Reviewed January 1 & 15, 2000)

In this story adapted from a teleplay, Brown continues to address the concerns of young school-age children. After Binky rips his pants at school, Arthur is haunted by dreams of going to school in his underpants. He stops worrying after his pants do rip, and he survives the embarrassment. Although the story is somewhat slight, both art and text are cheery.