
Age rating and parents' guide:Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
Ages 6–11
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey is best for children aged 6–11. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and mild language. Worth knowing: Potty humor.
Two prank-loving boys hypnotize their principal into becoming Captain Underpants, an enthusiastic superhero wearing only briefs and a cape.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- Mild
Worth knowing: Potty humor
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Graphic novel
- Part of the Captain Underpants series
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Pictures on almost every page
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- School life
Reading mood
- Playful
Good to talk about
- School life
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