Arthur Pong: Smelly Stories

Arthur Pong and His Smelly Song: Fart Stories: Children’s Picture Book by: Jose Ferdandez

For those of us that love reading stories in this case poems that send a definite message to both children and adults you have to read this incredibly hilarious, extremely creative book of interesting poems. But, they are not just ordinary poems that fill the air with the poet’s voice or prolific verses. These are poems that are related to readers in the form of different songs that are sung by a young man whose voice is equal to that of any popular singer today, whose heart and soul go into singing every word and whose energy level runs high once Arthur Pong beings singing. So, sit back, put your feet up and open your windows wide, and listen to our Maestro Arthur as he tunes up to serenade you.

Positioning himself, standing tall, clearing his throat and doing some preliminary warm ups Arthur will now begin. The first person to be lucky enough to hear his songs is Mr. Mow Mow the Gardener. But, although he loves what he hears something stops his mowing in its tracks, causes him to wonder where a certain smell is coming from? Arthur seems oblivious to the smell and although everyone in  his neighborhood stops, sniffs the air and wonders what that smell is, Arthur’s voice booms, fill the air and keeps going. But, poor Miss Wingbat might never be the same as she listens to him sing, adores what she hears and then faints. So, what would cause one of his biggest fans to faint? Just what was this awful smell or stink coming from Arthur’s Room? If I tell you then it would ruin the story, the poem and the mystery behind what caused it. The answer lies within each verse and you will have to buy the book and find out for yourself.

Poor Miss Wingbat went off in an ambulance and our star never heard the commotion. But, anyone going into Arthur’s room would survey it and soon realize where it was not coming from before they say OH NO! Could it be?

What is the secret behind Arthur Pong whose smell was more powerful than the atom bomb? Enter the Arthur’s Room, hear him sing that verse, then read the next song and you just might find out the answer. Arthur is ambitious. He is hard working and will perfect his talent but first I might suggest before listening to him: Get some air freshener. Have a cup of tea, listen to him practice and see the pride in his family’s eyes when he performs. So enamored of their son, so proud of his accomplishments, singing together as a family in one chapter and enjoying family time. Read Day Became Night, look at the hilarious pictures that tell it all and then School Time Again where the secret is revealed. A family that sings together and ……’s together is a family filled with love and yeah smells.

This story is so cute you have to laugh, smile and root for Arthur every step of the way as you hear his voice bellow each song. Being who you are and yourself is an important lesson in this book. Never change just to please others when what you are doing really makes you excel. As an educator I found this story different than most that I have read before but the pictures tell it all, the energy in Arthur’s determination to sing, entertain and just be Arthur is truly remarkable. This is the first of many Smelly stories to come and for those of us with a sense of humor bring on the smells, the poems and even if we have to hold our noses it’s worth it.

Fran Lewis: reviewer