I'm Not a Pig in Underpants

K-Gr 2—Billed as a mystery in rhyme, this book challenges readers to look and listen for clues to the identity of the narrator. Through the process of elimination, they learn many things it is not…a tall stork with spindly knees, a plump platypus watching its weight, an orange butterfly using a spoon, a skunk on a trampoline, etc. However, even if children spot all the clues (a trunk here, a love of peanuts there) and know what a pachyderm is, they will feel thwarted when it is revealed that "things are not always what they seem to be." The protagonist is simply wearing an elephant costume and is really a mouse in disguise. The full-page, brightly colored illustrations are packed with lively creatures and random comments, not all of which help the coherency of the story (cockroaches that love burnt raisins?). Readers will likely be intrigued by the title, and the word "underpants" is a surefire attention and giggle getter. More of a "Who is it?" than a "Whodunit?," the story is really a big red herring and an additional purchase for most libraries.—Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY