Dash is called “Diaper Kid” because he’s in no hurry to graduate to underwear. Why would he be, when in his diapered state, “he can GO anywhere”? The bold-type, capitalized verb in this clever line is best read with double meaning—Diaper Kid is always moving, and while on the go, he’s free to go (pee or poo) in his diaper. Garbutt’s lighthearted text is supported by Lowe’s playful cartoons, which recall Aliki’s style and depict Dash in a cape emblazoned with the letter D. Both words and art leverage potty humor to the story’s advantage as Dash’s parents gently encourage him to give underwear a try, only to be met with resistance. He interrupts his exuberant play with pit stops wherever he chooses, until an errant dip in a kiddie pool leaves his diaper sodden. The resulting discomfort and the realization that his friend Esme from next door wears underwear finally prompt Dash to acquiesce and try underwear out himself. A final, triumphant illustration shows Dash flying like a superhero, his cape now featuring a U patch covering the D that was visible earlier, as he is declared “Underwear Kid.” Dash and his family have light brown skin; Esme is darker-skinned.
