Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder

One notes the author of this book with surprise--the Norwegian is best known for his dour crime novels. Here he extends his talent into the realm of children's books with a zany scientist and his young comrades who take on bullies and impossible feats with improbable, amazing super-strength fart powder. William Dufris's tongue-in-cheek narration underscores Nesb┐'s farcical humor. Dufris is exuberant as each of the characters--high-voiced as assistant Nilly, thuggish as the bully brothers Truls and Trym, wistful and jolly as Doctor Proctor, chiding as Lisa, and blustery as her father, the commandant. All the bent-over backsides are sure to keep middle-grade listeners fully engaged. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

December 7, 2009
Provocative title aside, Norwegian author Nesbø's children's book debut is a sweet, silly, and often amusing tale. A very small boy named Nilly moves to Oslo, Norway, where he quickly meets the titular mad scientist, who has accidentally invented two fart powders. One provides classic flatulence (albeit without the odor), while the other leads to flatulence so strong that it can propel children hundreds of feet into the air. As Nilly and his new friend Lisa help market the invention, they find themselves at the mercy of twin bullies Truls and Trym and their corrupt father. The over-the-top story eventually ties in the toughest prison in Norway and a vicious sewer anaconda, but Nesbø writes with an appropriately silly tone to justify these twists. The goofiness does eventually wear thin, but Nilly's oversize tall tales, Lisa's common sense, and Proctor's insane inventions should charm younger readers, even those who might be disappointed that the book isn't quite as gross as the title implies. Final art not seen by PW
. Ages 8–12.