cover image Polar Bear’s Underwear

Polar Bear’s Underwear

Tupera Tupera. Chronicle, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-4521-4199-2

When Polar Bear loses his underwear, his friend Mouse offers to help. Briefs-shaped die-cuts reveal different vividly patterned underwear that could belong to Polar Bear. “This pair has treats all over it. It looks delicious! ‘Is this your pair, Polar Bear?’ ” asks Mouse, opposite a page showcasing yellow briefs decorated with cakes, candies, and snacks. Turning each page reveals the underwear’s actual owner—in this case, it’s Pig, who blissfully chows down on a doughnut in his undies. After a few more tries, Polar Bear discovers that his pair wasn’t really lost—just invisible against his white fur (something sharp-eyed readers may have noticed from the outset). Working in collage, Japanese design firm Tupera Tupera uses a variety of textiles and textures create the chunky animal cast (Squid’s polka-dot underwear has holes for all 10 of his legs, while Bunny wears her carrot-themed briefs on her head), giving readers many moments to giggle over. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)