The Practically Perfect Pajamas

Percy gives up his beloved footed pajamas after the other polar bears tease him about them, but then he realizes how useful they were, in an author's first book about the importance of being true to oneself.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Percy the polar bear loves his colorful, footed pajamas. They keep him warm, protect his snowy white fur, and help him sleep. There is only one problem-the other polar bears tease and make fun of him. Only Aurora, a lovely Arctic fox, secretly admires Percy's spiffy outfit. So he gives in to peer pressure, sheds his garb, and is thoroughly miserable. The polar ice hurts his pads and he spills cocoa on his fur. But worst of all, he can't get a good night's sleep. To add insult to injury, his contemporaries still shun him. Wise Aurora convinces Percy to be himself and share his assorted pj's with the others until all of the bears are arrayed in colorful attire. The fast-paced, humorous text teaches an important lesson without being preachy, while the illustrations impart personality to the protagonists-Aurora and Percy-as well as to the supporting players. Brooks's use of bright primary colors for the clothing juxtaposed against the stark white of the Arctic snow will delight young listeners.
Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Percy the polar bear has a problem with peer pressure. He loves his bright red, star-studded, footed flannel pajamas. Unfortunately, the pj's are only "practically perfect" because the other polar bears, attired only in their Arctic fur, tease and ostracize Percy for being different. Percy tries to fit in by discarding his pajamas, but he finds life without them cold, dirty, and miserable. What's more, even after his sacrifice the other bears give him the cold shoulder. An Arctic fox, Aurora, who admires Percy for his individuality, inspires the bear to persist in being himself. Eventually, Percy and Aurora win the friendship of the other bears through an act of inspired generosity, providing a surprise twist and satisfying resolution to a story that every child can identify with. This is a jolly tale with eye-popping illustrations in watercolors and colored pencils. The polar bears' expressions and contortions are priceless. Connie Fletcher
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