Walter the Farting Dog [Hardcover] by William Kotzwinkle For everyone who has ever felt mis-judged or misunderstood Warning: This book may cause flatulence! When Betty and Billy rescued Walter from the pound, they never imagined that such a cute dog could fart so much. But just when the dog seems destined to be returned to the pound, a remarkable event turns him into a hero, and his new family learns to live with his smells. Full-color illustrations. "Warning: This book may cause flatulence," Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. Destined to become a children's classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too. A Q A with Illustrator Audrey Colman Q: How did you become interested in children's book illustration? Why did you decide to illustrate this particular book? A: I didn't plan to do children's book illustration. As a freelance artist, I regularly sent out art samples to various businesses. I sent art to North Atlantic Books in hopes of doing book jackets, and approximately a year later they approached me with Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle. I was very excited because I was a big fan of Kotzwinkle's (not-for-children) book, Dr. Rat, about the wretched reality of the lives of laboratory animals. I'd recommended this book to many over the years and I would never have passed up an opportunity to work on a project with Kotzwinkle. Of course, it wasn't exactly an animal rights-themed picture book, but I expected that we'd agree on how animals would be depicted. Q: Many people think "potty humor" is inappropriate in literature. Do you think there's a benefit? A: If it encourages reading and laughing, it's beneficial. Q: Everyone is asking about the spider that shows up throughout the book. Is there a particular story you’d like to share about the spider? A: I'm often asked where the spider is on the Fart-Free Biskwee page in Walter the Farting Dog. Sometimes I say that he's hiding in the cupboard on that page, but the truth is that I just forgot that one. I tried to be careful not to leave out the spider in subsequent books so I wouldn't have to apologize again. (Who knew that so many people would notice my goof?) In any case, sorry for my mistakes and any ensuing confusion! Q: Walter the Farting Dog spent an incredible 75 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list after it was first released in 2001, and there is even a Walter plush toy--that farts when you squeeze it. Are you surprised with how well this book has been received by parents and kids alike? A: Of course! It's been ten years and five Walter books in the series later, and I'm still not always sure which ingredients are responsible for a book's success or failure! Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Frog Children's Books (November 1, 2001) Language: English ISBN-10: 1583940537 FREE gift wrapping available upon request. *NOTE: US Parcel Post has been taking longer than usual, especially for the larger packages. If you need faster delivery, please opt for Priority Mail as I have no control over the shipping time once the package is deposited at the Post Office. International Buyers: You may be required to pay a "CUSTOMS CHARGE". You are responsible for any and all customs charges. This cost is out of my control and is based on the policies of your country. I offer combined shipping discounts on ALL multiple item orders shipped to the same address. Thank you for visiting Arise Gifts!