We all have them! And we have to live with them, even when they’re inconvenient, unpleasant, or surprising.
They might come out of nowhere! It's definitely not a good idea to hold them in for too long. But among friends and family, they are usually no big deal.
Striking a perfect balance of funny and factual, this charming audiobook encourages young listeners to accept their emotions (and their farts) without shame, even when they really stink.
Published novels: Sundre and Garbage Head. Chapbook: Ship of Theseus. Shorter works have have appeared in Salon, World Literature Today, Canadian Verse 2, Third Wednesday, Ranfurly Review, Ars Medica, Ukula, Coffee House Press, Broken Pencil, Sobriquet, and in the anthologies Can’t Lit: Fearless Fiction; Double Lives: Reinventing & Those We Left Behind; and Poet to Poet: Poems Written to Poets and the Stories that Inspired Them. My writing often takes place under the watchful eyes of my cats, Squeaky and Twinkle. I currently teach at the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Of course I had to listen to this one just based on the title 😂
Genre ~ children's humor Publication date ~ April 8, 2025 Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio Est Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 4 minutes
The comparisons between feelings and farts are funny, yet have some seriousness. I especially liked the following: ~ they might be fast and fiery, other times loud and long ~ it’s not so healthy to hold them in too long, you usually feel better if you let them out ~ if they ever hurt or are uncomfortable you should probably talk to someone you trust ~ there will be times when you have to sit with them until they fade away because sometimes they really stink
I think kids, and adults, will get a chuckle out of this one.
Narration notes: He did a great job. I love the added side effects.
In a Nutshell: Possibly the most creative exploration of feelings I have ever read! Love how it combined the two troublesome F words (Feelings and Farts, ye of dirty mind!) and establishes the similarity between them. A great book for kids – fun and educational.
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________ are a necessary part of being human. All of us have ________. We can sense ________ building up in our body at times, but sometimes, they pop out unexpectedly. Depending on the type of ________, the resultant explosion can be hilarious or stinky or embarrassing. Holding onto the ________ until we reach a safe place isn't always possible. At times, it is just better to let ________ out immediately. Don’t worry much about the consequences, because all ________ pass in a while and you will feel better afterwards.
Each of the above blanks can fit in two words: “Feelings” or “Farts”. Thus you see the brilliance of the potent simile in the title. Both feelings and farts involve paying attention to yourself and your body.
Most kids are fond of toilet humour. (Some of us don’t outgrow it even in adulthood! 🤭) So this book is a brilliant way of grabbing kids’ attention towards understanding their bodies and their feelings (and farts) without feeling awkward.
The audiobook clocks at just 5 minutes. The narrator Tim Campbell has the perfect voice to narrate this work, enunciating clearly and stressing in all the right places. However, I felt like the audiobook was over even before I could properly get into it. This might be a ME problem; I never read children's picture books on audio as I love illustrations as much as the textual content. However, the title was too fabulous to resist! Plus, Macmillan audiobooks always have great production. So I wanted to see if this audio came with some fartilicious sound effects. It did! However, there is much background music so the comical toots get drowned out. Also, I feel that kids might miss out on the deeper intent of the book if they listen to the audio because their attention will be more focussed on the farts than on the metaphor with feelings.
I did miss the illustrations, so I took a peek at the sample illustrations available on Edelweiss. They match the vibe on the cover - monochrome graphics in a slightly blurry art style. Not my kind of graphics, but they do work for the story.
All in all, this book adds a new depth to feelings (and farts.) It is a simple way of learning more about how to handle complex feelings (and farts) and let go as needed. Children might enjoy this light-hearted approach towards the serious issue of tackling difficult feelings (and farts.)
I still prefer reading children's books, but the narrator and the sound effects make this a viable option for those who enjoy children’s picture books on audio. The content is right for ages 4-8.
3.5 stars, rounding down for the audio version.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio and Macmillan Young Listeners for providing the ALC of “Feelings Are Like Farts” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
A four year-old and six year-old boy listened to this story. The four year old liked the story especially the sound effects. The six year-old however, wasn't quite sure and had doubts. Feelings are difficult to express but after a little prodding, it seems the six year-old was conflicted with the word "fart" itself. He feels it is a word not to be used in public. Having only listened and not actually read the book makes it a bit difficult to make a final recommendation. I imagine the pictures in this story might help young readers understand the connection rather than just the audio version. The cover seems likely to attract parents wishing to engage their children with the idea of bodily functions and feelings in a humorous way. 3 1/2 stars. Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publishers for the ARC and for giving me the opportunity to review with my honest opinion.
This book was so cute we all have them feelings and farts! I have already bought this book for our digital consortium and it was checked out the first day!
4 stars
I received this audiobook from the publisher Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
The narrator carries the story. A factual book with a different way of looking at feelings. It brings a smile . What child doesn’t giggle when they hear the word “fart”, (or the sound of one). This will be a high interest item in any library, bookstore, or home. Opens up avenues of communication between adults and children with the serious subject of dealing with emotions.
The illustrations are soft and wonderful… But, there’s no story. It draws parallels of why farts and feelings are alike, but not much in the way of coping with them…
Feelings Are Like Farts is a wonderful audiobook that compares farts to emotions! It explores important topics such as regulating your emotions, facing difficult situations, taking space, and talking to a trusted adult when you need help. I think the comparison between farts and emotions is wonderful, as it takes a serious conversation and makes it entertaining for kids!
The audiobook narrator did an excellent job of being engaging and grabbing the listeners attention. His storytelling was anything but boring! As for the sound effects, I feel like they added a wonderful layer of humor to the story, especially the fart noises, which almost all kids find hilarious. My only complaint is that I felt like the audio was a bit too loud in some parts, like the sound effect at 1:56. More specifically, I felt like the music at 1:14-1:37 didn’t fit the story and was also a bit too loud on top of the narrator's voice.
Overall, this is a story I would recommend to parents, as I believe it has important lessons about emotions for children! The audiobook aspect adds a layer of enjoyment beyond the book by itself.
Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Picture Book Review. Feelings Are Like Farts By Christopher Willard and Tara Wosiski. Illustrations By Toshiki Nakamura
Have you ever had this happen in your classroom before……. It is just after lunch and recess and you finally have all the kids settled down on the carpet for a story. You are maybe two pages into the book when suddenly there is a strange odor in the room and your class loses all control.
And now it’s time for a new topic… yep that is where this book comes in handy. Feelings are Like Farts is a good way to approach the subject because let’s face it it is part of life. This book addresses the subject matter with humor and with facts. What I liked about the book is: ❤️It compares feelings and farts together, two things young children struggle to regulate. ❤️This book teaches children that feelings and farts happen and it may be embarrassing. But if you are with true friends and family it is no big deal. ❤️Both authors bring their background of mindfulness and love for children into this book. ❤️Simple illustrations do not override the storyline.
This high-quality audiobook production has a full soundtrack with fart sounds, which plays underneath the narration of Tim Campbell. The music is instrumental and mostly happy sounding if a bit cartoonish. Honestly, Tim's narration is what sells this hilarious and very short comparison. He manages to deliver quite funny lines using an ironically serious but understanding voice. He has a few chuckles, too.
There isn't really much of a story involved. This is also very true. I admit that I had never thought of the similarities between feelings and farts, but the author made her case. I fully agree. I laughed through this entire short story. This is short, cute, and feels tailored for small people full of big emotions. After all, you can't hold feelings or farts in forever, as the book wisely points out.
Thank you to Christopher Willard, Tara Wosiski, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
Feelings Are Like Farts is a children's book about feelings and how we all feel them, despite how they may be inconvenient at times. The author uses flatulence to draw the attention of the target audience, giving them analogies that they will understand.
As this review is regarding the audiobook, narrator Tim Campbell strikes the right tone in his delivery. The only issue that I have with the audiobook is that the lesson the author is trying to impart might get lost without the visual experience. Kids ages 4-8 are not as likely to remember what they hear, but rather what they see. Parents or educators will have to reinforce the lesson after the book's conclusion.
That being said, Feelings Are Like Farts may seem silly or childish, but it actually has a good message. I would recommend the picture book over the audio version, but it would be great in either format.
Disclaimer: This audiobook was given to me in advance of its release for review purposes. The decision to review the book was entirely my own.
Feelings are like Farts by Christopher Willard, narrated by Tim Campbell, is a light-hearted and thoughtful children's book that creatively explores the concept of feelings. By comparing emotions to farts, Willard offers a fun and approachable way for children to understand and express their feelings safely and openly. The comparison makes it easier to discuss complex emotions in a simple and humorous manner.
Narrated by Tim Campbell, the audiobook enhances the experience with engaging delivery, making it even more enjoyable for young listeners. This book is an excellent resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking for a playful yet meaningful way to help children navigate and articulate their emotions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow just as informational as it is hilarious, this audiobook is priceless.
The PERFECT blend of 2 tricky things, especially when it comes to kids:
1) Normalizing having/expressing farts (by associating them with feelings) & 2) Normalizing having/expressing feelings (by associating them with farts)
One of the two (farts or feelings) is likely more in your/your family/your child's wheelhouse, allowing this to be so far-reaching. No matter where your child falls on the spectrum of preferences - or even better, you have multiple kids and are looking for a compromise in tastes - this is a short and safe bet.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Christopher Willard PsyD, Tara Wosiski, narrator Tim Campbell and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!}
This book is a must-have for elementary libraries. It offers a light-hearted explanation of feelings. The comparison to farts will tickle children's funny bones while at the same time allowing them to explore the idea of the transience of feelings. Children will also learn, that feelings are universal--everyone has them.
The matter-of-fact explanation will make sense to children, and make it easier for adults to explain. As one who spent time with elementary school students and has had 'serious' discussions of farts and their universality, I believe this book is a valuable addition to collections.
Note: I listened to an advance audio galley courtesy of NetGalley.
Bathroom humor for the win! This book is silly in the best way while delivering an important reminder—feelings, like farts, should be let out. Perfect for kids (and kids at heart), it uses humor to normalize emotions and self-expression.
The audio version is a treat, complete with a full soundtrack, sound effects, and all! If you enjoy playful books with a meaningful message, this one is worth a listen.
A huge thank you to the author, McMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review!
What a great way to showcase feelings in an understandable way for the younger audience, like a fart! The similarities shown throughout the book are ones that I as an adult understand, but also that my four year old could grasp. She was nodding along and smiled at parts. That is really what is great about this book, getting the information across (that holding feelings in isn't the best), and ways to get them out (in private, or with people you trust). Will definitely come back to this book again and again!
- Thank you NetGalley, for the opportunity to have access to this book prior to publication -
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for letting me and my daughter listen to this audiobook.
This was a funny but also serious comparison book of farts to feelings. My daughter was laughing out loud to the story and fart sounds but like any audiobook we have listened too she always wants pictures haha. I think I understood the story more than she did she was only concerned with the farts not the feelings part. But I think it was a really great read and it did help make those feelings understandable. We also enjoyed the narrators voice and his extra sound effects ahha. I would recommend this to other readers.
“Feelings are like Farts” is hilarious. It’s silly, comical, but sends a genuinely positive and accurate message about the importance of processing your feelings and not just bottling them up. It can be challenging to explain to kids (and adults, honestly) why it is crucial to understand your feelings so you can face them head on and allow them to pass, but relating them to farts makes it make sense. It’s a clever simile that makes kids laugh, but actually drives the point home in a very effective way. I loved this book, and laughed out loud several times as I found myself nodding along. There are some very valuable lessons in this book, and I’d encourage kids and adults alike to check it out!
This audiobook is just delightful! The narrator does a good job of keeping the story light and engaging. I just loved the sound effects. They added such a wonderful bonus to this story.
I also loved the storyline and the annology that emotions are like farts is sure to keep any young reader engaged and interested in the story. It's actually something I haven't thought about, but it makes perfect sense.
I can see this book being a hit, especially with older elementary aged children who love potty language and could use more stories about different emotions.
This is a funny and entertaining way of teaching kids about emotions and how they can affect us and the world around us. Some of the comparisons are silly, but all are actually spot-on. My daughter giggled along with me, and we had a good conversation about feelings after listening. I would imagine the picture book is just as good. Recommended for ages 4-10 ideally, although anyone can use a good laugh and reminder sometimes! Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Farts are like feelings. Feelings are like Farts. Paralleling between the metaphors and emotions of farts is shockingly similar. Letting them out, regardless of others' opinions or one's own doubts, can provide much needed relief.
This is a great book for those who are passing gas or feeling big bloated feelings.
Great message by Christopher Willard and strong, emotionally charged watercolor illustrations by Toshiki Nakamura make this a fun read for educators and parents alike. Farts don't just have to be funny or gross. They can carry many more emotions on the wind.
Feelings and Farts have a lot in common. Everyone has them, they can come unexpectedly, make you laugh, be troublesome, and it's not healthy to hold them in.
Children seem to love books about farts (and feelings too, I suppose). Toshiki Nakamura's illustrations give just the right balance - is this child farting or having a feeling? Unfortunately, it doesn't tell the reader what to do about any of them - farts or feelings, other than talking to someone. I think its intention is to just to be silly. The characters are multiple races and genders.
Short children’s story that compares feelings to farts. I listened to the audio version with my 7 year old and 12 year old. The 12 year old was not impressed, but that is not surprising as this book aims for a younger audience. My seven year old found the book fun and awkward (her words) as it talks about farts.
A silly book that seems to hit its target audience and is a fun listen. kids can get a laugh will also learning about their feelings and how to express them.
I was in tears of laughter throughout this whole book. I listened to this book while I was cleaning and my husband was in the next room and I could hear him also laughing the whole time. I think for children this is a amazing book for talking in an overall way general way about feelings. It was all true when they talked about farts vs feelings and I never thought about it in this view point, but now I always will.
I never thought of this correlation prior to reading this book,but feelings really are like farts! This book became an instant new favorite picture book that I know my students will both laugh about and understand the underlying comparison. It makes feelings seem like a normal thing instead of intimidating or embarrassing. (Thanks to the publisher for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. )
This book is deceptively layered and very well done. Normalizing feelings and farts by using them in the context of each other is an every day way to bolster children's concept of self. They learn how to have farts and feelings safely, to talk to adults if they hurt, etc. It's a silly context to deliver great messages. This book would be useful in an elementary school library or read as part of a lesson with an elementary school counselor or nurse.
Feelings are Like Farts is a delightful, silly, and useful guide. Just like farts, everyone has feelings. Sometimes those feelings are embarrassing and sometimes they linger, just like farts. But that’s okay. Feelings, like farts, are just part of life. Tim Campbell’s narration, punctuated with fun side effects, makes Feelings are Like Farts an enjoyable and accessible audiobook for all ages. Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for this honest review.
A very clever comparison to how farts are like feelings. Sometimes you want to hide them, keep them inside and pretend it isn't happening. But if you do that it can be bad for you. I love how it shows that if you let the feelings/farts out some times it makes people uncomfortable. I never really thought about how these two things are so similar! Kids will love reading this with an adult, and a great SEL book to get kids thinking about their emotions.