Fart Boy and Reeky Dog

Phartolomew has been having some strange dreams about a lab and his time in that lab. He thinks nothing of it until one day his school has nothing to eat except for beans, now Phartolomew has been instructed that he is on a no-beans diet, but he believes one taco isn’t going to hurt anyone. It is in this moment that Phartolomew learns that his farts are super strong and he stumbles across a hidden lab that belongs to Professor Gravypants, his creator. While sneaking around in the lab, Phartolomew connects with Reeky Dog, Professor Gravypant’s previous minion, and discovers that Professor Gravypants is preparing for world domination. Phatolomew decides to partner with Reeky Dog using his fart powers to save the world.

What I liked: This book opens by introducing you to the villain and the creation story of Phartolomew. Phartolomew being adopted, growing up, and visiting the doctor regarding the gas problem are all told in rapid succession to introduce you to the story. These moments add humor to the story as Phartolomew’s mom and dad struggle to control the odor from his farts in silly ways like using clothespins on their noses.

This book is a graphic novel that tells the story through a variety of illustrations and sound effects. The words that are included are easy for a new reader or a child who struggles with reading to follow. Children who are fans of Dog Man will enjoy this new superhero book that incorporates some of the things that they find humorous.

What left me wanting more: Professor Groovypants is a great villain, but we don’t know much about him or his origin story. From this villain, we then get a transformation into another villain, Perfume Lady, who is just Professor Groovypants as a woman. This is an overdone villain and while it makes sense that Perfume Lady would try to take out Fart Boy and Reeky Dog, it would’ve been better to develop Professor Groovypants story and keep him as he was.

Final Verdict: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is the start to a new fun and entertaining series that children ages 7 and up will find themselves falling apart in laughter as they read. This book is great for children who might be hesitant or dislike reading to change their perspective on books. This is a book that adults will also enjoy as they laugh along with their children about this unlikely superhero and his sidekick.