The Book That I Refused To Post About Before Christmas

Every now and again, I either receive a book for review, buy a book or otherwise come across a book that makes me scratch my head and wonder: Who would buy this book?

I received such a book this November. I refused to post about it before Christmas because I didn’t want to give it any press in advance. Yes, I hated it that much. And hate is a strong word.

The book is Fartsy Claus, written by Mitch Chivus, illustrated by Mike Reed. And yes, in a word, it stinks.

The premise of the book is that Santa visits a home where he doesn’t find milk and cookies. Instead, he helps himself to some frank and beans. And, well, you get the idea.

Now, I’m not opposed to toilet humor. I enjoyed Who Pooped on My Head?, remember?

But this is different. It’s not clever. It’s not funny. It’s just vulgar. And it’s not even properly targeted vulgar. You know who finds farts amusing? 8 year old boys. The book, however, is targeted to kids ages 3-7. And yes, parents, you know what that means. You get to read it out loud to your children. Lots of unfunny, ridiculously bad, pointless text about Santa Claus and farting. Out loud.

My 3 year old found the book and was fascinated – at first. She then didn’t “get it” – and it was impossible to explain in a way that made it funny.

HarperCollins should be embarrassed to be associated with it. And if you spend the $16.99 that the retailers want for it, you should be fairly mortified, too.

Totally tasteless. Promise me that you won’t waste your money.

Technorati Tags:
children’s book, Christmas, Fartsy Claus