Today's read... The Big Bang and Other Farts by Daisy Bird

Today's read is aimed at all those fart fans, who love to giggle and laugh when a silly moment ensues. And there are plenty of those out there, which is why I was curious to pick up today's read and take a peek. This takes a glance into history and shows how 'farts' made a huge difference. Interesting history always draws my attention, and doing this in a way to make kids laugh is another bonus. So, let's see if this one does everything it promises to.

THE BIG BANG AND OTHER FARTS

A Blast Through the Past

by Daisy Bird

Illustrated by Marianna Coppo

Tundra Books

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

For fans of No One Likes a Fart, a hilariously fresh take on gas! A serious documentary turns into a very silly exploration of why important historical events happened the way they did . . . and the answer is always a fart!

One day, Daddy Rat sits his baby rats down to watch a very serious documentary about some of the most important moments in history. Sounds boring, right? However, the babies are delighted and surprised when the documentary shows that the reason for life in the universe isn’t the Big Bang but . . . the Big Fart!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    BOOKSHOP    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Historical moments take a silly twist, which will have fart gigglers excited to see the next scene.

I picked this one up, expecting the definition of farts to be used in a broader sense. Which it isn't, and that's more than okay. Giggles and snorts are guaranteed for young fart fans as they coast through various moments in history to find how an unexpected fart could lead to anything. If you're looking for history lessons, this isn't it. Instead, quick scenes are set (big bang, end of the ice age, the creation of the Mona Lisa, etc.) and silliness is set free.

The illustrations are kept basic, but that's all which is needed to get the general gist across and let the humor take over. A few situations shoved the humor onto the side or into the background, which seemed to stifle a little needed emphasis. But giggles still come.

I'm going to recommend this one toward the younger end of the intended age group, since the history is missing on strength for slightly older readers. For younger ones, some of the scenes won't be familiar, but this does give them a glance and acts as a quick introduction before they dive in a little deeper in the future. 

And here they are...

DAISY BIRD is the pseudonym for Jacky Colliss Harvey, the New York Times bestselling author of Red: A History of the Redhead, My Life As A Redhead: A Journal, The Animal’s Companion and Walking Pepys’s London. She studied English at Cambridge University and art history at the Courtauld Institute. She has worked in museum publishing and is a commentator and reviewer who speaks on the arts and their relation to popular culture. She divides her time between London and New York.

MARIANNA COPPO is an author and illustrator who studied editorial illustration at MiMaster in Milan and now focuses on freelance illustration. Her debut picture book, Petra, received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She is also the creator of Ray, A Very Late Story, Such a Good Boy and, with author Daisy Bird, Whose Poo?. Her most recent book is Thingamabob. 

Review: Such a Good Boy by Marianna Coppo

SUCH A GOOD BOY

by Marianna Coppo

Chronicle Books

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 5 to 8

The ultimate kids' book about dogs, being good, being bad, and being yourself!

From the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of Petra.

Meet Buzz the dog.

He's such a good boy.

Buzz seems to have a perfect life .. .

and a lot of very well-behaved friends.

Buzz would never dream of being anything other than good.

Right, Buzz?
Buzz . . . ?

For anyone who has ever felt pressure to be "good" at the expense of their own self-expression, and for anyone who has ever owned and loved a dog, this beautifully illustrated picture book from author-illustrator Marianna Coppo will have you laughing, smiling, and longing for your own unfettered frolic in the park.

• With charming art and a positive message, this is an ideal read-aloud book for parents and children to share.
• For dog lovers, pet lovers, and any kid who knows how hard it is to be good all the time
• Marianna Coppo's first book, Petra, was a Good Reads Choice Awards Picture Book Finalist and received starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus.

For dog-loving children and fans of such picture books as Gaston, Harry the Dirty Dog, Antoinette, and Naughty Mabel.

For any child who struggles to be "good" and understands the fun (and frustration) of being "bad."

• Picture books for kids ages 5–8
• Dog books for kids
• Books about acceptance, self-confidence, and being yourself

 MY TIDBITS

This little dog, Buzz,  seems to have everything it could possibly want—a wonderful home, food, and care. But it's life might just be too wonderful. As perfect as everything seems, Buzz isn't given the freedoms he'd like to have. He can't talk t strangers, or waste time or anything he might want to do for fun. Until one day, when he runs away...

Buzz is super cute, and it's extremely easy for young listeners/readers to fall right into his tale and just want to hug him. It's clear that he has everything a dog could want, and yet, it's clear why he might not be satisfied. After all, what kid doesn't want to run out and play? So when he gets the chance to have fun on his own, the joy carries over and brings smiles. It's a book and character to enjoy.

Even the illustrations are well done and fun to gaze at. While simple in some ways, they bring across Buzz's situation well, and give off a lovely atmosphere.

My only problem with this tale is the ending. First, my kids and I weren't one hundred percent sure what happened to Buzz...if he's found or simply continues to enjoy the free life. Either way, the message isn't exactly what parents will want to bring across to kids—if you don't get what you want, run away and then you will.  Which is too bad because I believe the author might have been shooting for 'be true to yourself'. 

In any case, I did enjoy the book quite a bit...as did my kids. Buzz is definitely a dog to love and keep.

And here she is...

Marianna Coppo is an author-illustrator who studied editorial illustration at MiMaster in Milan, Italy. Her first book in the United States, Petra, was published to critical acclaim. She lives in Rome.