The Underwearwolf

Sterer (If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone) and Santoso (Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet) mash the monstrous and the truly mundane in this gleeful picture book outing. When the pale-skinned narrator’s uncle Larry sends a pair of unusually fuzzy underwear as a gift, the protagonist disregards the fine print warning against wearing them during a full moon (“didn’t look too full to me,” the child says, shown glancing at the circular, glowing orb). Digitally created spreads employ furry textures and eerie lighting, evoking classic horror film vibes as the child dons the unders, then sprouts canine features, becomes “HAIRIER THAN A HUNDRED HAMSTERS,” and runs wild through the streets. The kid considers losing the drawers, but the risk of being caught “butt naked”—in the road, on a chimney—proves both deterrent and running gag. After the character meets up with a real (if slightly confused) wolf pack, they gather together on a moonlit peak for a collective “AWOOOOOOO!” before sunrise breaks the spell. Quippy and freewheeling, it’s every kid’s fantasy of living fancy-free—no bedtime, no rules, almost no pants—and living to howl about it. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Tamara Shannon, Shannon Assoc. (May)