Publisher's Weekly Review
This single-gag tale stars Belbum, a medieval giant who "was good at stomping, napping, and losing things." One morning, the redheaded, googly-eyed man looks down at his polka-dot boxer shorts and bare legs, realizing that he has lost his only pair of pants. After searching his house in vain (even inside the teapot), the increasingly agitated giant seeks help from friends (a Cyclops, a gnome, and a unicorn), but the alternative clothing options they offer don't fit the bill-or Belbum. Embarrassed, he skulks into town and asks the tailor to make him new trousers (plaid ones), as well as a few extra pairs to give his friends for safekeeping. Illustrating in bold and brassy digital cartoons, Fearing (The Great Thanksgiving Escape) gives readers lots to laugh about, including Belbum's friends' unhelpful suggestions ("I don't wear pants. You could try that," offers Lucy the unicorn), the ways those friends make use of his spare pants (the gnomes turn them into a canopy for a picnic spot), and the contrast between the giant's crankiness and sheepishness. Ages 3-7. Agent: Sean McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Belbum the giant can't find his pants. He asks his friends and then heads into town (wearing red polka-dotted boxer shorts) to purchase multiple pairs. At home, he puts his new pants away in a drawer--leading to a (somewhat predictable) twist. A large trim size and bold colors and lines suit the story line, and the digital art's details ramp up the humor and character development. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Belbum's pants are missing, and that's a giant problem! "Belbum was a giant. And like most giants, he was good at stomping, napping, and losing things." One morning it's his pants he loses. He searches the house: no pants. After checking to make sure no one will see his polka-dot boxers, he checks the yard: no pants. He roars in anger (he's good at being angry, too) and makes a mess of his house. Wondering if his friends can help him, he seeks our Polyphemus the cyclops, who offers him a toga. He seeks out Old Grint the gnome, who offers his stretchy pants (not stretchy enough). And finally Belbum seeks out Lucy the unicorn, who suggests a pants-free existence like hers. Frustrated, Belbum decides the only option is to visit the tailor in town. He makes his way across the land (covering his bits, which are still in the polka-dot boxers, so it's a bit redundant) and gets several new pairs. He leaves one with each friend in case he loses his pants again. At home he puts his new pants awayand makes a startling discovery in his dresser drawer. The central joke in Fearing's simple text will tickle toddlers as will the digitally created, bright, cartoon illustrations of the ginger-haired white giant failing miserably to protect his dignity while he acts like a toddler himself. A scenery-chewing performance will be a hit at giant- and underwear-themed storytimes and anywhere fine undies are appreciated. (Picture book. 2-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Big and broad of trim and type size as well as humor, this tale sends a giant clad in polka-dot underwear out into the world to search for his lost trousers or at least a temporary cover up. Waking from a nap in only his knickers, Belbum tries stomping and roaring about his room. When that doesn't make the errant garment appear, he sets out to ask the help of friends. But Polyphemus only wears tunic-like togas, a gnome's pants barely fit over his big toe, and Lucy the unicorn doesn't wear pants. (All three ask if he's checked his dresser, cluing even younger readers in to the inevitable ending.) At last, Belbum braves the humiliation of walking into town to order pants from the tailor. No sooner does he return home and go to put his new duds away in the aforementioned dresser than you guessed it. Children (not to mention certain parents) will laugh to see the carrot-topped behemoth lumbering about the countryside on hairy legs, and should also get Fearing's tongue-in-cheek point.--Peters, John Copyright 2017 Booklist
