Krull, Kathleen. Brewer, Paul. Fartiste. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2008. ISBN: 9781416928287.
An author named Krull,
Not known to be bashful,
With her husband named Brewer,
Entertained this reviewer.
Fartiste is the name of the book that they wrote, and yes,
As you’ve quite likely guessed,
Together they have raised the lowliest fart
Up out of the gutter to a place of high art!
Illustrated by Boris Kulikov, using a deft mix of acrylic, gauche, watercolor and ink that uses an understated palette, at least until a particularly explosive moment in the story, recalls an era gone by. The “artiste” complements the authors’ text with what at first glance appears to be a literal interpretation of the text, but upon further study reveals both a deeper understanding of the text to the reader and then kicks the humor up a notch or two as well. Fartiste is the story of the life of Joseph Pujol, a Frenchman, who used his rather unique, thank goodness, gift to provide for his family of 10. Laughs are plenty, but never at the expense of our hero whose dignity in life and in verse is maintained. Krull’s and Brewer’s use of simple rhyme is infectious, effective and remarkably unforced. Their dauntingly literal exploration of the farts, excuse me, facts leave only one sense to the imagination, your sense of hearing, but fear not, your imagination will be working overtime! The subject matter will appeal to children of all ages and, in the end, so to speak, to the smarmiest school marm.
Lane M. Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
An author named Krull,
Not known to be bashful,
With her husband named Brewer,
Entertained this reviewer.
Fartiste is the name of the book that they wrote, and yes,
As you’ve quite likely guessed,
Together they have raised the lowliest fart
Up out of the gutter to a place of high art!
Illustrated by Boris Kulikov, using a deft mix of acrylic, gauche, watercolor and ink that uses an understated palette, at least until a particularly explosive moment in the story, recalls an era gone by. The “artiste” complements the authors’ text with what at first glance appears to be a literal interpretation of the text, but upon further study reveals both a deeper understanding of the text to the reader and then kicks the humor up a notch or two as well. Fartiste is the story of the life of Joseph Pujol, a Frenchman, who used his rather unique, thank goodness, gift to provide for his family of 10. Laughs are plenty, but never at the expense of our hero whose dignity in life and in verse is maintained. Krull’s and Brewer’s use of simple rhyme is infectious, effective and remarkably unforced. Their dauntingly literal exploration of the farts, excuse me, facts leave only one sense to the imagination, your sense of hearing, but fear not, your imagination will be working overtime! The subject matter will appeal to children of all ages and, in the end, so to speak, to the smarmiest school marm.
Lane M. Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
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