I cannot believe this book is about farts LOL. I picked the book from one of the choices on the library website, but I definitely did not think the book was going to be about him entertaining people with his farts. The setting of the book is in France. After he discovers his talent, he then went to Paris to pursue his acting career. The setting in Paris has a lot to say because a lot of performers went to Paris in search for performance jobs because it was so prominent. Joseph Pujol was a great hit during the time period. He entertained many people by making sounds and songs from his butt! I just think this book is so funny; I can't believe something like this is actually true! ( )

Pretty funny story about a historical figure, Joseph Pujol, who performed musical numbers by farting. Kids who appreciate scatological humor -- which is all of them -- will appreciate this story about making art out of fart. ( )

Great story for children who have a smelly sense of humor

This is an "explosively funny, mostly true story" about Joseph Pujul, otherwise known as Le Pétomane. Pujol (1857-1945) had the amazing ability to fart (without odor) on command.

Krull mostly writes biographies for children; her husband Brewer mostly writes joke books, so this tale is an interesting collaboration. Told in hilariously clever rhyming couplets, it's classified as historical fiction. The colorful mixed media (acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink) pictures by Kulikov, who also illustrated Krull's Giants of Science series, add to the fun.

This is a great picture book that will appeal especially to little (and not-so-little) boys.

© Amanda Pape - 2010 ( )

I can’t stop laughing since I finished reading this book. 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 is a book that begs to be read over and over again, and so far each time 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 in 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!

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 is not enough to feed his large family. With so many people making money by performing their talents for large audiences, Joseph wonders if there is a place for him on stage. What will the audience think of a man who can play songs, create animal noises, and entertain 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 will also realize that there is a job for everyone and sometimes you have to think outside the box. A book that will put a smile on your face, so it is the perfect way to add some sunshine to your life!
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