book cover

Tuchus & Topps Investigate: The Underpants of Chaos

by Jenny Pearson and Sam Copeland, illustrated by Robin Boyden and Katie Kear

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9 to 11

Published by Puffin, 2022

  • Fantasy
  • Funny

About this book

Why is it that only Agatha Topps and Lenny Tuchus can remember the very disturbing things that are happening at Little Strangehaven Primary School. 

Compulsive ballroom dancing, rampant chickens firing egg bullets from their bottoms and killer underpants trying to swallow their wearers are surely weird enough to stay in people’s minds? But no. As soon as the Strangeness is over, it’s forgotten.

Looks like it’s down to Agatha and Lenny to solve the mystery and save the school from oblivion. There are plenty of suspects but the spy-detective duo need to make progress fast as time is running out.

If you like quirky, funny stories with an intriguing mystery and some clever detective work on the side, this is the book for you.

Alternate chapters are narrated by Agatha, who is logical and organised, and Lenny, who is keen but clueless. Although it takes a little while to get used to the dual narrative, it really works in showing how and why the unlikely pair make such a good team.

And beneath the mystery and mayhem is a story of a surprising friendship and learning to be proud of who you are.

About the author

Jenny Pearson has been awarded six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque and numerous cards for her role as Best Teacher in the World. When she is not busy being inspirational in the classroom, she would like nothing more than to relax with her two young boys, but she can't as they view her as a human climbing frame. Her debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award and selected as a Waterstones Book of the Month.

More books like this

Share this page Twitter Facebook LinkedIn