Review - Walter the Farting Dog

Walter the Farting Dog (Walter the Farting Dog #1)
by William Kotzwinkle & Glenn Murray
illustrated by Audrey Colman
Date: 2001
Publisher: Frog Children's Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go! Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. A children's beloved classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Is it wrong that this made me laugh out loud? Yes, it's a picture book about a rescue dog who farts. Like... a lot. He farts so much that Father threatens to send him back to the pound. Walter decides he needs to do something about this, so he goes and has a snack. The snack gives him gas. Of course it does...

The illustrations are really weird, some sort of mixed-media digital mish-mash by the look of it. But the expressions on Walter's face are pretty funny. Combined with the text... well, I couldn't not laugh.

Kids will probably find this hilarious. Heck, I found it hilarious. Mind you, I've had a farting dog of my own, so I can relate.

Quotable moment:

"He has to go back to the pound," said Father.

"No, Daddy, please," begged Betty and Billy. "Don't send Walter away."

"He goes tomorrow," said Father.

They pleaded. Walter farted.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5