The Underwearwolf

posted on May 12, 2026 by Eve Panzer

Written by Gideon Sterer

Illustrated by Charles Santoso

Published by Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, May 12, 2026

Reviewed by Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian

 

Replete with a boy of about 8, who has a fearless imagination and a taste for wild adventures, this story is reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in the best possible ways. However, in this story, kid-centric humor takes center stage. The quirky and mischievous main character loves underwear – a clue into who the character the reader is dealing with. For his birthday, he receives a pair from his uncle that are a bit unusual – they are woolly. And on the label is a warning: Do not under any circumstances or for any reason wear these underwear during the full moon!

The curious boy glances out his window and decides the clearly full moon is not truly full and dons the underwear. As he becomes hairier and hairier, a rollicking romp through town reaps all sorts of havoc. As things get wilder and wilder, he knows he should take the underwear off, but if he does, he will be butt naked! Not even a wedgie up his butt can convince him to take them off! And then he is drawn to a mountaintop where he encounters a pack of wolves. What happens next? Get your paws on a copy of this book to find out.

The author clearly still embraces his inner child and knows his audience, getting chuckles for his reference to butts, wedgies, and being naked. The child-friendly illustrations are full of whimsy. Reflecting the rollicking good time but also adding details and humor that enhance and further the plot. Fans of Where the Wild Things Are will eat up The Underwearwolf!

If you are a fan of weird and wacky fun, this book will leave you howling! Perfect for a not-too-spooky read-aloud! Buy it now so you will have it on hand for Halloween.

Thank you to Thad Whittier, Associate Publicist | Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, for the PDF review copy.

 

BUY IT TODAY!

 

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