“Censorship ends in logical completeness when nobody is allowed to read any books except the books that nobody reads.” — George Bernard Shaw

This is my last post for the year in support of the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (September 25 to October 2, 2010).

I’ve met moms who won’t allow their children to read books from Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series. I’ve met moms who’ve been surprised that all three of my children have enjoyed or are currently enjoying them (depending on their age, as my children range in age from 19 to 9). Somehow I don’t seem the type, and that offends me, to be honest. By the way, my alternate name is Buttercup Wafflechunks.

George Orwell is my eldest child’s favorite author, but she grew up loving every issue of Captain Underpants. My youngest has only recently discovered the books. As soon as she heard that some people think these books should be kept away from young children, she wanted me to interview her for this post. So, here goes.

Me: How many Captain Underpants books have you read so far?
A: Two

Me: Do you plan to read more?
A: Yes

Me: What was your favorite part of the books you’ve read so far?
A: In the first one, I liked when they were fighting the bad guys, which were green plants. In the second one, I liked when George and Harold got in trouble from putting pepper into the pom poms; and they put bubble bath in the marching band’s instruments; and they put helium in the baseball. Because the principal taped them and it was really funny because they watched the tape and they were really shocked.

Me: Was there anything you didn’t like?
A: I liked everything.

Me: Why do you think some people think the Captain Underpants series is inappropriate for children?
A: Because Captain Underpants wears his underwear and a cape and just that.

Me: Would you recommend Captain Underpants to your friends? Why or why not?
A: Yeah, I guess I would because it’s really funny. Maybe no, because maybe their parents won’t like it.

Me: Do you think Captain Underpants is unfair to school teachers and principals? Why or why not?
A: Kind of, because the principal is really mean.

Me: Is there one more thing you’d like to add to this discussion?
A: I like the comic books that George and Harold create.

For more of Captain Underpants and other Dav Pilkey creations, go to his “Extra Crunchy Website o’ Fun.”