Killer Underwear Invasion!: How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories

by Elise Gravel

A hilarious and timely tool to help kids learn how to tell what news is true and what isn't

Can peanuts give you super strength? Were unicorns discovered on the moon? Did Martians really invade New Jersey? For anyone who has ever encountered outrageous stories like these and wondered whether they were true, this funny, yet informative book breaks down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is true and what isn’t. With quirky illustrations and a humorous tone, Elise Gravel brings her kid-accessible wit to the increasingly important subject of media literacy and equips younger readers with the skills needed to interact with global news.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Picture Books, Humor, Juvenile

88 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2022

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each new book Elise Gravel publishes, she’s really showing she understands the future will be brighter if essential lessons reach people when they’re young. Sneakily disguised as a funny, light-hearted book, Killer Underwear Invasion is actually a timely how-to: As its subtitle says, it’ll help kids (and adults!) identify disinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories. It comes on the heels of Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes, which is focused on gender equality and is also suitable for kids and adults alike.

In these pages, cute characters resembling UglyDolls act out scenarios so young readers can see what abstract concepts look like in real life. This is helped along by Gravel’s amusing veiled references to real-life incidents. In the chapter about disinformation, a character talks about drinking shampoo to cure disease. In another, one character explains that news isn’t automatically fake just because it’s unflattering. Two politician characters illustrate the point that it’s common for news sources to focus on the negative qualities of (or outright lie about) one candidate as a way to boost another.

Killer Underwear Invasion covers more than I was expecting from a children’s book. Among other things, Gravel defines “conspiracy theory” and “disinformation” (different from “misinformation”). She details the mechanics behind the spread of both, which is related to what she also defines: confirmation bias, an unconscious phenomenon that determines how likely people are to believe certain news. After showing readers how to distinguish fake news from legitimate news, she emphasizes her book’s overarching message: The internet is an equalizer that allows anyone to have a megaphone, and as a result, disinformation is flourishing. Place faith in credentialed scientists, doctors, and journalists.

Gravel is thorough and clear, but this book does assume a certain awareness. Readers first need to know these things even exist and, to most appreciate the humor, be familiar with the real-life incidents Gravel references. What’s here won’t make sense or be interesting to really young kids, though the title and illustrations will attract them at first. Older kids will get a lot out of it. In the end, they’ll understand exactly why it’s important to give credence only to news from respected, established outlets that strive for objectivity. The only thing missing from Killer Underwear Invasion is discussion of deepfakes, which are becoming more convincing by the day, but explaining this disturbing reality may have steered the book in a direction more complicated than Gravel wanted.

Chapter titles:
1) What is fake news?
2) Why do people make up “news”?
3) Why is disinformation such a bad thing?
4) What happens when fake news blows up?
5) Why do we believe fake news?
6) How to tell real news from fake news

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that causes people to pause and think about the reliability of their sources of information. Many good discussions could result from reading this book.

[Karine Mon coin lecture · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5
Un album informatif, drôle et au goût du jour sur les fausses nouvelles. Très fan d'Elise Gravel, as usual.

[Weatherwax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Großartiges, flottes Buch zur Schärfung der Medienkompetenz.
Und unter uns, könnt es einen besseren Buchtitel geben?

{Angriff der Killerunterhosen}

Verschwörungstheorien und Fake News erkennen können - auf pfiffige Art erklärt. Empfehlung!!

✨🔎🤔🗣👨🏻‍💻👩🏼‍💻🗞✨

[Nicolas Lontel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un livre très important à faire lire aux plus jeunes (et certains plus vieux). Un très bon outil pour développer la pensée critique et qui a le mérite d'être aussi très drôle.

Pour les adultes, je ne sais pas si c'est très intentionnel (si les situations comiques étaient aussi des références à de vraies situations), mais j'imaginais très bien à qui ou à quoi Elise Gravel faisait allusion la plupart du temps dans les illustrations et commentaires.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun and funny way to teach fake news. Includes learning; what is fake news, why do people make fake news, why disinformation is bad, what happens when fake news blows up, why do we believe fake news, and how to tell real news from fake news.

I really like how the examples are silly, ridiculous, and remain non-political.

[mikael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cute! Great art and good information, and much appreciated in this day and age. Found via The Laser Librarian on TikTok :)

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with simple illustrations uses comedic exaggeration to present the facts about disinformation, why people create and distribute it, and some things you can do about it. I thought it managed to cover the topics admirably in a short space and with simple but effective--and often funny--examples. Even though it's a kids' book, I think most people would benefit from reading it and understanding things like confirmation bias. It would make a great video.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A necessary book. And much more clear, actionable, and thoughtful than A Sad Little Fact, as cute as the illustrations were. But not as humorous or engaging for kids as it could have been. Kids will definitely get the message. And most adults will too. But it felt like a lecture, instead of an enjoyable learning experience.

I also think that it could have delved deeper into what quality sources were.

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic breakdown of how to spot fake news!
Gravel (the queen, gosh I love her) really does a super job of distilling the important bits down to easily digestable nuggets of gold! (don't eat gold, you sillies!)

This should be required reading for every child AND should be part of lessons that get repeated in every grade level! (But, lol, also every adult, because it's hard stuff and nobody is protecting old people brains from the morass of social media.)

[Susana · Rating 1 out of 5]

That's rich coming from someone who is an assumed anti-Semitic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ZhN5XuG...

[Ms Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a great first step into talking with kids about the news and critical thinking when engaging with it. We know that kids are susceptible to advertising and in younger years cannot distinguish TV programming from commercials. Kids nowadays are getting their information from so many sources including new ones like TikTok that they need to be equipped with an understanding of media literacy and critical thinking. As it is, there's a large amount of adults and elderly folk that need to be taught this as well. I think the art style and writing makes it enjoyable for anyone at any age (with a sense of humor).

[Francesca Pashby]

Very visual and entertaining way of explaining fake news to younger kids.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to spot fake news and ill-spread stories. This book is geared towards younger readers, though adults can also benefit. She discusses confirmation bias (seeing things that fortify one's long-held views, since changing one's beliefs is hard) and motivation of people to spread or exaggerate news (emotions, avoiding consequences, seeking fame and fortune, undermining an opponent, etc). Talks about finding reliable sources but fails to ever emphasize that plenty of "reliable sources" are being bankrolled by unreliable interests, or that "fact checkers" can have inherent biases. Talks about the difference between fact and opinion, but nothing about opinionizing, like "the sun is hot" vs "the sun is way too hot." Or, "tonight, watch our exclusive interview with craven asshole Mr. Fmith, candidate for school board." Recommends not relying solely on headlines, and not spreading stories that make you feel emotionally charged. It's a good primer but could be strengthened in spots.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear presentation of critical information done in an age appropriate way. Impressive. Most educated grown-ups "should" know these things already, but never a bad reminder these days. Read for the 2024 Book Riot Challenge "read a book on media literacy".

[Sakina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un ouvrage qui illustre les fausses nouvelles et la désinformation. 😊

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a Canadian author, Killer Underwear Invasion is a great primer on how to spot fake news. I like the thinly veiled references such as Wolf news TickSock and the Garlic Bulb newspaper.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai adoré! 😍

[Victoria Dellinges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really funny and accessible way to teach kids about misinformation and fake news. I could see this easily being worked into a great lesson to help kids, evaluate sources, social media post, and what they hear throughout the day. This is definitely a much-needed text for students… And maybe even adults!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The graphics and fun examples (and my silly reading voice) easily engaged Evie, so much so that we were able to read the entire book in one go.
There is so much great information here, including a beautiful shout-out to librarians.
Gravel thoroughly tackles the "why???" I recommend kids and adults check out this fun book on a serious topic.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for people of every age. Critical skills for 21st century living. Go forth and read it!

Only note is they tried for a Seuss-like set of names, and I can't work out how you're supposed to pronounce Fmith.

[Gillian Brownlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this. Simple enough for kids, but not so simple that adults can't get something out of it too. It's so important to know how to spot disinformation in this internet age, so I'm really happy this book exists.

I know a bunch of adults that should probably read it too.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, quirky and colorful book full of simply (and entertainingly) expressed information. An essential addition to any kids library.

[Andréa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a great intro. read for my disinformation courses and discussions!

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information for young kids on understanding fake news and unreliable resources in a graphic novel format. Can’t wait to read this to grades 3-5.

[Rachel McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a necessary book and it’s hilarious. I can’t wait to read this with kids. Great for digital citizenship and critical thinking

[˗ˏˋ mckenna ˎˊ˗ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is quite funny and entertaining in the way elise gravel has totally mastered - but it is also sadly very important for younger humans (or the older ones too!) to get educated on what is true and un-true in a culture where the internet and news sources can lie to you for their own gain 🙃

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear discussion of disinformation, and it should be required reading.

[Emily Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think is a great place for many librarians and teacher to start talking with students about media literacy. I could see this even being effective with middle-grade students.

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent explanation of disinformation. An amusing and engaging presentation that would benefit many adults, as well.