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Underwear!
Bismark the Buffalo is grumpy and unlovable until his friends teach him how to laugh and show him that wearing colorful underwear can be great fun. Zachary Zebra and Orfo Orangutan love underwear―all colors, prints, and styles! Every year they go together to the World's Greatest Grassland Underwear Fair. But Bismark Buffalo is always sad and grumpy. Of course, he does not like underwear. The grassland animals feel sorry for Bismark. But then they get an idea―an idea about underwear and an idea about Bismark.
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
6 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Mary Elise Monsell
21 books4 followersEver since I was in second grade, it was my dream to be a writer. I liked writing poetry and stories as I grew up. I read an armload of books every week, sometimes sitting in a tree. Many years later, I couldn't believe my dream came true. In 1988, Underwear, my first book, was published.
After that, I published seven more books, visited schools all over the country, and staged mysteries with my penguin puppet Mr. Pin. I've always liked mysteries, so it makes sense that four of my books are mysteries. I'd like to write more. And I still write poetry.
I am so lucky that I've been able to have another job as a teacher. Every day, it seems, my students teach me something new as I teach them about books, writing, and mathematics.
Besides writing and teaching, I like to sing and paint. I read as many books as I have time. When I wrote Mr. Pin, I would read Rex Stout books and watch Humphrey Bogart movies to get into the mystery mood. When I'm researching characters, I look for real emotion and details. I “shop” for an animal character in the nonfiction section of the library. And I look for a specific animal, not just a lizard, but a fence lizard as in Toohy and Wood.
Chicago provided many settings for my Mr. Pin books, such as Wrigley Field, The Art Institute, and the Field Museum. I would often visit these places to get accurate details.
My best advice to young writers is to read as much as you can and keep a journal. Read what you write out loud to see if it “sounds” right. It will also help you find the rhythm of your own writing. Above all, have fun!
After that, I published seven more books, visited schools all over the country, and staged mysteries with my penguin puppet Mr. Pin. I've always liked mysteries, so it makes sense that four of my books are mysteries. I'd like to write more. And I still write poetry.
I am so lucky that I've been able to have another job as a teacher. Every day, it seems, my students teach me something new as I teach them about books, writing, and mathematics.
Besides writing and teaching, I like to sing and paint. I read as many books as I have time. When I wrote Mr. Pin, I would read Rex Stout books and watch Humphrey Bogart movies to get into the mystery mood. When I'm researching characters, I look for real emotion and details. I “shop” for an animal character in the nonfiction section of the library. And I look for a specific animal, not just a lizard, but a fence lizard as in Toohy and Wood.
Chicago provided many settings for my Mr. Pin books, such as Wrigley Field, The Art Institute, and the Field Museum. I would often visit these places to get accurate details.
My best advice to young writers is to read as much as you can and keep a journal. Read what you write out loud to see if it “sounds” right. It will also help you find the rhythm of your own writing. Above all, have fun!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 12, 2023
Was hoping this would be amusing based on the title, but it just seemed rude.
August 3, 2012
There was a time that I couldn't read this to my kids without laughing. Bonus stars for much joy.
April 5, 2024
I like it. I really like it because it’s my favorite book ever and I really like it because it’s my favorite and once I am is my favorite and once I was sick, no I’m happy because I like the underwear book from daddy and me I like it very much from the I hate Acadia and daddy and Hazel And I really like it because it is very nice to me and I really like under so much underwear is my favorite because I like it so so so so so so so bad we match and it’s very helpful that daddy wanted me to read a book to me that was made of underwear and I really like it. It was my favorite because I really really like it and then my dad is cooking some bacon so I could have it that’s beyond goodbye good night. Good night good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night good night.
February 12, 2019
Review: I gave it 3 stars because it tells a story about underwear however it doesn't have an educational value to it, nor does it really have purpose.
Summary: Zachary the Zebra and Orfo the Orangutan loves underwear and they go to grassland underwear fair. They buy lots of underwear and wear them something all at once. Bismark the Buffalo doesn't like underwear he's a sad and grumpy buffalo. Until the end the zebra, orangutan and egret help make the buffalo laugh so hard that he turns into a happy buffalo that likes to wear underwear.
The artistic elements are very thought out and go hand in hand with each page and the text. They have lots of colors and things that would draw students attention.
Summary: Zachary the Zebra and Orfo the Orangutan loves underwear and they go to grassland underwear fair. They buy lots of underwear and wear them something all at once. Bismark the Buffalo doesn't like underwear he's a sad and grumpy buffalo. Until the end the zebra, orangutan and egret help make the buffalo laugh so hard that he turns into a happy buffalo that likes to wear underwear.
The artistic elements are very thought out and go hand in hand with each page and the text. They have lots of colors and things that would draw students attention.
May 29, 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Grade Level: Early Primary/Primary (K-3)
UNDERWEAR! UNDERWEAR!! UNDERWEAR!!!! It just makes you laugh! Grumpy Buffalo didn't think he needed to wear underwear. But his friends loved to wear underwear! It makes every body happy! You can't even say it without laughing. Go ahead. Try it! Say UNDERWEAR! This is a funny book for young children. Underwear is almost a naughty word. Nobody talks about their underwear. It's not supposed to show under your clothes. It's just something that you have to wear! In the end, Buffalo loves his underwear, thanks to his friends and he's not grumpy anymore!
Grade Level: Early Primary/Primary (K-3)
UNDERWEAR! UNDERWEAR!! UNDERWEAR!!!! It just makes you laugh! Grumpy Buffalo didn't think he needed to wear underwear. But his friends loved to wear underwear! It makes every body happy! You can't even say it without laughing. Go ahead. Try it! Say UNDERWEAR! This is a funny book for young children. Underwear is almost a naughty word. Nobody talks about their underwear. It's not supposed to show under your clothes. It's just something that you have to wear! In the end, Buffalo loves his underwear, thanks to his friends and he's not grumpy anymore!
November 9, 2019
The tile of this book is what made me pick it up one day at a local thrift shop, Underwear! Who but a grumpy old Bison can resist laughing at the word "underwear"? Not to mention, the illustrations are by Lynn Munsinger and I LOVE her style! Meet Orfo and Zachary, two underwear loving animals. They love underwear SOOO much, they find it hard to fathom that a local Bison doesn't. Take a chance on this book and be prepared for a good laugh as you read it! A wonderful book for lower early elementary students to have read aloud to them!
May 6, 2019
This book will surely get a laugh out of your kids or students! This picture-book is definitely entertaining even if it has no educational value, but sometimes enjoying a book is better than not enjoying it.
Reading Level:
LEXILE - 420L
ATOS - 1.2
Traits:
Word Choice and Presentation
Reading Level:
LEXILE - 420L
ATOS - 1.2
Traits:
Word Choice and Presentation
August 12, 2018
One of my all-time favorite children's picture books. It's silly but has a loving feel to it.
November 21, 2019
It's just a silly book that is fun for the children. On the other hand, there is no educational theme in it. It's just fun.
February 16, 2020
My child's favorite book! I read it with voices for each character and he does not stop laughing the whole time
July 8, 2020
A little inane, but kids who like underwear jokes and books (like Aliens Love Underpants) will think this is hilarious. The illustrations are great.
January 27, 2025
Very cute! Classes I’ve read this to, and my grandchildren, have loved it!
Read
October 13, 2009Summary: Zachary Zebra and Orfo the Orangutan love all kinds of underwear. They can't help but want Bismark the Buffalo join in on the fun by liking underwear, too. When they realized how lonely the grumpy buffalo was, they came up with a plan to trick him into thinking they decided to believe that he was really meant to be miserable. He caves in and everyone loves underwear.
Audience:
- Reading level-Early
- Genre-Young Fiction
- Topic-Clothing, Animals
Curricular uses: Read aloud for K-2 for pleasure, independent reading for 2-3
Social Issues:Emotions, accepting people, growing up
Literary elements: Man vs. society conflict, important climax, mood, personification
Interactions and counteractions of text and image: There is an interaction between the text and images of this book. The text is so much fun to read and the crazy ways the illustrator made the characters makes them seem even more silly. Also, Bismark the Buffalos emotions are clearly portrayed in all of the images of him.
Audience:
- Reading level-Early
- Genre-Young Fiction
- Topic-Clothing, Animals
Curricular uses: Read aloud for K-2 for pleasure, independent reading for 2-3
Social Issues:Emotions, accepting people, growing up
Literary elements: Man vs. society conflict, important climax, mood, personification
Interactions and counteractions of text and image: There is an interaction between the text and images of this book. The text is so much fun to read and the crazy ways the illustrator made the characters makes them seem even more silly. Also, Bismark the Buffalos emotions are clearly portrayed in all of the images of him.
October 6, 2013
Underwear!
By Mary Elise Monsell
Illustrations By Lynn Munsinger
Grade Levels: K-2
DRA/Lexile Measure/GLE: 420L/2.7
Reviewed By Aaron Carter
This book, which easily qualifies both as a humorous selection and a fantasy, is about Zachary the zebra, Orfo the orangutan and Igor the egret, who all love wearing underwear, and even go to the "World's Greatest Grassland Underwear Fair," however, their friend, Bismark the buffalo, is less than entertained at wearing the undergarment. Finally, through humor, the group convinces their bovine friend to wear underwear and adjust his attitude. Because of the extensive use of commentary, this selection would be a good choice for teaching fluency, especially because of the widely varying attitudes displayed by the characters. It would also be an excellent option for teaching children that until you try something, you cannot truly know if you'll like it or not. In general, the sentences are quite simple in structure and the words easy to understand.
By Mary Elise Monsell
Illustrations By Lynn Munsinger
Grade Levels: K-2
DRA/Lexile Measure/GLE: 420L/2.7
Reviewed By Aaron Carter
This book, which easily qualifies both as a humorous selection and a fantasy, is about Zachary the zebra, Orfo the orangutan and Igor the egret, who all love wearing underwear, and even go to the "World's Greatest Grassland Underwear Fair," however, their friend, Bismark the buffalo, is less than entertained at wearing the undergarment. Finally, through humor, the group convinces their bovine friend to wear underwear and adjust his attitude. Because of the extensive use of commentary, this selection would be a good choice for teaching fluency, especially because of the widely varying attitudes displayed by the characters. It would also be an excellent option for teaching children that until you try something, you cannot truly know if you'll like it or not. In general, the sentences are quite simple in structure and the words easy to understand.
March 26, 2015
The Underwear book is a silly book. A book that kids enjoy no matter what. In this book Zachary the Zebra loves underwear along with his friend Orfo the Orangutan. They go to an underwear fair and they express their love for underwear throughout the book and then their friend Bismark the Buffalo dislikes underwear very much and doesn’t want anything to do with it. Soon his life goes very lonely and all the bugs go away from him and soon the birds and he is all alone and then his friends try to make him happy because obviously he doesn’t know how to be happy. They have him say underwear ten times without laughing. He gives it a shot and soon all of his friends and him are laughing so loud and ever since then they all have been happy and everyone enjoys underwear. I enjoy silly books because kids sometimes don’t know how to react to the humor. It allows them to have a little fun.
March 7, 2012
Zachary the zebra and Orfo the orangutan love underwear more than any other type of clothing. They love it so much that they go to the Grassland Underwear Fair every year and stock up on all the latest styles.
Their friend Bismark the buffalo does not wear underwear. Bismark is a grumpy buffalo and eventually finds himself all alone. Even the bugs on his back leave to find a happier buffalo. His friends decide to intervene and try to get Bismark to laugh. They challenge him to say the word "underwear" ten times without laughing. Can he do it? Nope! It's not long before Bismark is laughing hysterically and actually tries a pair on.
A great storytime book. Kids will be laughing out loud!
Their friend Bismark the buffalo does not wear underwear. Bismark is a grumpy buffalo and eventually finds himself all alone. Even the bugs on his back leave to find a happier buffalo. His friends decide to intervene and try to get Bismark to laugh. They challenge him to say the word "underwear" ten times without laughing. Can he do it? Nope! It's not long before Bismark is laughing hysterically and actually tries a pair on.
A great storytime book. Kids will be laughing out loud!
February 13, 2014
Ok, my 2-year-old son would probably give this book 5 stars, but I wouldn't quite understand why. This is a cute book about some animals that like to wear underwear, but a grumpy buffalo doesn't. Then in a weird twist, the buffalo suddenly likes to wear underwear after he's not able to say "underwear" ten times without laughing. You spend most of the book reading "ha, ha, ha, hee, hee, hee", etc. My son loves this part. Anyway, I liked that the book got him talking about underwear so hopefully we can potty-train soon.
June 26, 2010
Zebra and Orangutan LOVE underwear! They wear it on their head, on their arms, on their feet. They try to convince the buffalo that he should wear underwear too.
The pictures show the animals dancing and having tons of fun with their underwear. But, I am bothered that the illustrator draws an American buffalo--a bison, not an African buffalo like the setting would suggest.
The pictures show the animals dancing and having tons of fun with their underwear. But, I am bothered that the illustrator draws an American buffalo--a bison, not an African buffalo like the setting would suggest.
July 13, 2012
Adding a little levity to the idea of wearing underwear seems like a good thing. It's not overtly a potty-training book, just an underwear-is-fun book, which is probably why my kids like it. (They abhor potty-training books.) Besides that, it's a sweet story with colorful characters. I love the characters' empathy for the grumpy buffalo.
January 15, 2014
What a cute book!
For boys and girls alike, this is a silly and comical affirmation that we all love to have fun underwear! Even tho we wear underwear under, that it's ok to wear underwear as outerwear, or several pairs of underwear!
My grandson and I both giggled as I read this whimsical tale of three animal friends who love their ever changing underwear!
For boys and girls alike, this is a silly and comical affirmation that we all love to have fun underwear! Even tho we wear underwear under, that it's ok to wear underwear as outerwear, or several pairs of underwear!
My grandson and I both giggled as I read this whimsical tale of three animal friends who love their ever changing underwear!
March 7, 2016
Possibly one of my most favorite books from when I was a kid -- my sisters and I loved having this book read to us (poor Mom and Dad... it was probably so hard not to laugh while doing so!), and to this day we still bring it up and mention how EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS! It's goofy, it's fun, it's a regular hoot.
July 20, 2008
I should just buy this book so I don't have to embarass myself asking for it at the library again! My son LOVES this book - it is great for helping your kids get excited about wearing underwear! Cute story!
October 16, 2009
Silly and fun - especially for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. Animals in underwear and animals that won't wear underwear - how silly is that? The artwork is fabulous and really adds to the story.
October 11, 2008
Not my all-time favorite, but Colin likes to say underwhere over and over and over... I end up laughing at him for laughing. Oh, the potty humor!
Could be good for a "No more diapers" storytime or for a storytime on grumpiness.
Could be good for a "No more diapers" storytime or for a storytime on grumpiness.
May 16, 2021
For some reason, this book jumped out at me as a possibility for my kid. It might well be because he is inordinantly focused on which pair of underwear he wants to wear, and he finds it fun to change them 2-3 times per day. As such, this is a book perfectly suited for him!
May 18, 2010
Bison doesn't want to wear underwear and finds it useless. He becomes lonely until dared to say underwear 10 times without laughing. Bison can't do it.
Children listening can't do it, and it can be very difficult for the reader! At the end of the story Bison wears underwear with heart designs.
Children listening can't do it, and it can be very difficult for the reader! At the end of the story Bison wears underwear with heart designs.
February 4, 2015
There are some great nuggets of wisdom hidden in this children's book.
My favorite: "It is a tragedy," said Zachary, "to be clever but not happy."
Read it with your kids and you'll get a laugh out of it.
My favorite: "It is a tragedy," said Zachary, "to be clever but not happy."
Read it with your kids and you'll get a laugh out of it.
Read
March 5, 2016This book is definitely not something you would read as part of a lesson. If you could somehow work it into a lesson, then I would be rather impressed. It is still a good book to read during your classes free time.
September 6, 2007
My Mom read this to my brother and I all the time when we were little. To this day, it still cracks me up! Bet you can't say "underwear" ten times fast without laughing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews