Fart Quest

Fart Quest
by Aaron Reynolds
illust. by Cam Kendell
Recommended Ages: 8+

This kids' chapter book, lightly illustrated in a graphic novel style, features a trio of apprentice heroes who, just as they're training for a career in monster slaying and tomb raiding, witness their masters and mistresses being wiped out. Instead of going back to hero school, they decided to go on their own quest and prove themselves. Pan the elf, Moxie the warrior, and Fart the mage don't have much experience, but they figure it's all in the presentation.

That theory is immediately put to the test when a wizard challenges them to collect a rare potion ingredient – the flatulence of a golden llama. It seems to be right up Fart's alley, given that the young mage got his nickname by choosing as his first spell one that can change anyone (including himself) into a puff of foul-smelling gas. But the sense that the three kids are in for more than they bargained isn't just a case of the vapors. Their quest leads straight to the lair of a horde of ogres, a two-headed ettin and something even nastier. Not to mention giant bees, ew!

This is a funny, action-filled story affirming the values of friendship, courage and appreciation of potty humor. Its recurring gimmick of awarding experience points to the main character are evidence that both the author and the illustrator are into Dungeons & Dragons. Further installments in the "Fart Quest" series include The Barf of the Bedazzler, The Dragon's Dookie and The Troll's Toe Cheese, if you're into that sort of thing. Am I? You judge from the fact that I chose to read this book, and actually had fun along the way.

Reynolds is also the author of two "Joey Fly, Private Eye" books, three "Creepy Tales!" books, two "Caveboy Dave" books, and three "Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter" books. Kendell's art may also be found on such board games as "Rocket Ranchers," "D&D Dungeon Mayhem: Monster Madness" and "My First Castle Panic," and in comics including Choose Your Gnome Adventure, Mortimer B. Radley: The Case of the Missing Muunkey Skull and Flopnar the Bunbarian.