What Howls at the Moon in Frilly Knickers?

This is the story of how Julian and his friends, Gary and Ed, set out to write and publish a joke book. The jokes are gathered, argued over and there is much discussion of what makes a good joke. Language and its shifting nature is at the core of the research for the book and there is plenty of potential for discussion in English classes here. Julian is keen on the idea of the joke book to take his mind off the impending death from cancer of Mim, his beloved granny. Mim lives with Julian and his parents, and her illness and death at the end of the book are handled with sensitivity despite the overall lighthearted tone of the book. Equally, while not such a major part of the narrative, the tension and eventual divorce between Gary's parents is in counterpoint to the boys' undertaking, during which they learn quite a bit about themselves and other people. Sheila Moxley's striking cover adds to the fun and is likely to attract readers. If you don't appreciate silly jokes don't read this book, but most kids will love it. And if you must know, it's an underwear-wolf!