Who Was the Fartiste?

In celebration of International Picture Book Month we are reviewing another picture book this week instead of a middle grade novel.  I first heard of this one on my dear friend Claudine's blog: Carry Us Off Books. Thanks, Claudine! 

One minute, by chance, he was flexing his gut.

The next, he had sounds coming out of his butt!
Joe gasped with the shock, then roared with delight,

And soon he was sucking in air day and night. ~Fartiste

I can’t stop laughing since Margo and I finished reading her latest find. She keeps giggling too; actually my whole family has been busting a gut! Fartiste by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer is the mostly true story of Joseph Pujol. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of him before, as he has one of the most unique jobs ever and a talent I can’t even imagine! This delightful tale is told in rhyme, which makes the delivery of the information that much more captivating. The bright, bold pictures are filled with details that add extra layers to the story. It's a book that begs to be read over and over again, and so far each time Margo and I have found new things to chuckle about in either the words or the illustrations. 

Illustrator Boris Kulikov helps bring Pujol’s story to life through the facial expressions, backgrounds, and artistic details he included on each page. I think this is the perfect gift for people of all ages this holiday season, as it is about a subject that can send kids and adults into fits of laughter! You definitely don’t want to miss this one, and I know Margo will be begging me to read it with her for years to come! 

Joseph Pujol discovers at a young age that he can make gas come out of his butt! Unlike other people, he has great control of the air as it escapes and is able to create sounds of various pitches and volumes. Joseph lives a normal life and enjoys making his friends roar with laughter when he demonstrates his explosive talent. Although he is a baker by trade, he soon discovers it's not enough to feed his large family. With so many people making money by performing for large audiences, Joseph wonders if there's a place for him on stage. What will the audience think of a man who plays songs, creates animal noises, and entertains by varying the air escaping from his bottom? It is hilarious to imagine someone who has perfected the art of the fart- but Pujol clearly did! Not only will this book make you laugh out loud, but you'll also realize that there's a job for everyone, and sometimes you have to think outside the box. This book will put a smile on your face, so it's the perfect way to add some sunshine to your life! You'll probably start making up your own rhymes too! 

Has anyone else read Fartiste? Or have you read another book by Kathleen Krull or Paul Brewer? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading! ~ F

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