Fartsy Claus - Mitch Chivus
"Night Before Xmas" parody of questionable taste.
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- Author:Mitch Chivus
- # of pages: 32
- Publisher:HarperCollins Children's Books
- Original Publication Date: 09/25/2007
- Genre: Fiction - Holiday
- Hardcover: $16.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 3-7
- Read Aloud: 6+
- Read Alone: 8+
Parents need to know
Families can talk about why people think it's so funny when someone has gas. Does this book make you laugh because of its farting theme? Or do you find it disgusting?
Message
Social Behavior:
Fartsy humor is taken pretty far.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Sex
Language
All the potty words you'd expect, given the title.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer
Is it any good?
Some readers may find themselves laughing aloud when reading this parody; others will have the opposite reaction. More than likely, Moore would be turning over in his grave. In fact, even the author seems embarrassed. He is pictured on the back flap of the cover as an adult-sized elf holding a Christmas gift in front of his face. It's suggested that he may be writing under a pseudonym or that he is a "rather naughty elf." Either way, most readers of this book can see why he might want to hide his face.
The title lets you know what's coming, so don't pick the book up if you can't read it out loud. Beyond that, the premise is shaky, the language inappropriate for young children, and the poetry completely absent. The one saving grace, aside from the questionable humor and the artwork, is that the kid characters save the day through their ingenuity and cleverness. It's sad though to see Santa in such a state.
The other positive note, the slightly blurred, dark toned illustrations, are entertaining and give a credible quality to the book. Mike Reed, who works in acrylic and digital painting, contributes a certain dynamic energy that seems completely appropriate to Santa's sad state of affairs.
Other choices
More Books Illustrated by Mike Reed:
Shake D'em Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa
A Chill in the Air by John Frank
Catching the Wild Waiyauzee by Rita William Garcia
Cowboy Camp by Tammi Sauer
Related Web Sites:
Illustrator's Site
Parents and kids say



