Fart face by Andrew Daddo & Jonathan Bentley

Fart face is a book that perhaps could be said to appeal to a certain reader/readee relationship and not to the more dignified. For example it may be a dodgy call for a teacher to read it to a class or a grandparent or parent to read it to a child. That doesn't mean though that the book should not be readily available on the bookshelf and in the library. Fart face is more a book for children to have a good old laugh over with their friends or siblings and away from adults - though of course there are plenty of jokes and information to be shared contained within its pages. There is always a space for this type of book. It's a bit naughty. It's funny and it is mildly informative too. 

Author Andrew Daddo is well known for a variety of books including picture books, chapter books, short stories and novels. Most primary years children are familiar with the Atticus Van Tasticus series and Daddo's irreverent humour. Preceding Fart face, Poo face was published in 2023 and was also illustrated by Jonathon Bentley. Fart face seems to be a natural companion book. One can only wonder what might come next! There is plenty of scope when it comes to subjects that are not discussed in polite company. Daddo has moved on from the study of poo to the study of farts and in a silly and informative way children can find out all about farts. Along with the information and the jokes is the serious matter of manners associated with farting and this is an important lesson for those children who might like to take the joke too far.

Multi- award winning writer and illustrator Jonathon Bentley has teamed with Daddo again in illustrating Fart face. His wonderful illustrations marry perfectly with Daddo's text in this large format hardback picture book. He uses a strong mix of colours and achieves a watercolour effect with regular use of hatching. He capably shows the emotions of the characters through their gestures, expressions and blushing cheeks.  He creates a sense of activity and motion with quirky, funny and relatable characters in sticky and embarrassing situations. There is a little substory going on too. Look out for the dog as he appears on every page. He is a dog who copes with all the farting with a variety of hilarious reactions.

The authorial voice (belonging to an unnamed little boy) engages energetically and directly with the reader..."We all do them. Yes, I know you do! But there's a time and a place for a fart face." This narrator gives information, gives examples, describes, asks lots of questions (including What if? questions), imagines, exclaims, gives opinions and reminds the reader about manners.

Fart face is entertaining and informative. In the back inside cover amongst the jokes and the subject-appropriate onamatopoeia is a fact..."The world's oldest joke was a fart joke!" As Daddo says, " Farts have ALWAYS been funny."

Themes: Farting, process of, Manners.

Wendy Jeffrey