Review: Biological dysfunction, challenges and dreams
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 12, 2013
The author of this completely charming and naughty little book goes by the moniker Ivan Offolbot (just say it out loud and the humor in the name will begin the story!) and has a gift for writing books for children who love to encroach on the language and conversations of adults. His writing style is infectious and he has paired with illustrator J. Fetterling to make a book that is bound to satisfy children - even if it allegedly embarrasses adults.Tommy is a youngster who enjoys his gift for flatulence: he enjoys farting so much that he gives each version a name (Foghorn, The Ripper, Pwarr, etc). Of course his Mum (remember this is written by a Brit) doesn't appreciate Tommy's `gift, and takes him to the doctor, feeds him special foods, and considers corking his bottom. Sent to his room Tommy dreams of creating a powerful fart that will make him fly.  After gorging on sprouts and broccoli, boiled eggs and cabbage, spicy sausage and chili, peas and lots and lots of beans he dons a crash helmet, stands by his window, and whoosh! he is flying - to the moon. There he meets the alien Zarg (`I'm not the man in the moon') who assists Tommy in his desire to return to his home and family.  Together they try to fuel Tommy with moondust, moonstones, and even moonjuice (which tasted like snot)  but it is not until Zarg supplies Tommy with moonsquish (alien poo) that he gets powered up, flies off the moon, but not being directed to earth, he lands on Mars. And that is where Ivan Offolbot leaves him - awaiting the next installment in this series of the adventures of the gaseous Tommy.Since potty mouth films flood the television screen, movies, and normal conversation it seems that having children read this book in the presence of adults will be a bridge to understanding what is proper and what is not and the possible side effects of the improper behavior.  But even more than that this is a well-constructed hilarious story that likely adults will be sharing in whispers to their friends outside the family.  Here's hoping of more. Grady Harp, June 13