Father Christmas heard a fart by Olaf Falafel

cover image

HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9780008244316
(Age: 3-7) Christmas. This is comedian Olaf Felafal's first picture book. It is set to the tune of Old McDonald Had a Farm and is about a Christmas fart mystery. "Father Christmas heard a fart . . . E-I-E-I-O! He thought that fart came from a bird . . . E-I-E-I-O! With a Pffrrp Pffrrp here and Pffrrp Pffrrp there . . . ". It even tells the reader how to make each of the fart sounds, complete with instructions and facial diagrams showing Santa making the noise (e.g. "Fill one of your cheeks with air, and play it like a bagpipe!"). As all this farting is going on we see Santa preparing for his Christmas run. Finally, the culprit is discovered. "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house rang the sound of a fart . . . from an overfed mouse!".
This is completely silly but the shiny illustrations show the wonderful Christmas world of a child's imagination (lots of toys, snow, presents, Christmas trees, elves, reindeers) and it is easy to sing. The instructions for making the fart noises are fun and children will love joining in.
Nicole Nelson

booktopia