Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble At the Yard Sale

Walter the Farting Dog #2

by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray, Audrey Colman (Illustrator)

Walter's family is holding a yard sale, but there are few customers. Walter, fartingcontentedly near Father, wonders why. When a man offers ten dollars for Walter, Father readily agrees. Walter wonders why. Walter is sad to leave his family behind, but relieved to discover that his new owner is a clown. Walter figures he will help the clown bring joy to children on their birthdays. But the clown has a dastardly plot: he will use Walter's gas to inflate balloons and then pop them to stun guards during bank robberies. Will Walter turn to the dark side? Of course not! He comes out a hero and is reunited with his family by doing what he does best.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Dogs, Fiction, Crime

32 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2006

About the author

William Kotzwinkle is a two-time recipient of the National Magazine Award for Fiction, a winner of the World Fantasy Award, the Prix Litteraire des Bouquinistes des Quais de Paris, the PETA Award for Children's Books, and a Book Critics Circle award nominee. His work has been translated into dozens of languages.

Reviews

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're disappointed that your five-year-old doesn't yet appreciate Chaucer or Chagall, start by reading them this excellent little book. Walter, the eponymously flatulent hero, has accompanied his family to the yard sale, but is scaring away the prospective customers with his gaseous emissions. The kids love him with that special, unconditional love that small children feel for their dogs, but Dad is rather less loyal. He waits until his children have gone off for a moment, then sells Walter to a passing stranger for $10. He even throws in the leash for free.

Walter's new owner turns out to be a criminal clown with a dastardly plan in mind. He hooks up Walther to his fart-collecting machine and starts inflating methane balloons. Then he heads for the bank. It's the work of a moment to pop a couple of balloons and stun the security guard. The manager prudently agrees to hand over everything in the vault before things get worse. The clown takes the sack of money, jumps in his fun-mobile and has made his getaway before anyone can react.

Luckily, Mr. Clown hasn't seen The Incredibles, and is unaware of the dangers of villainous gloating. He's so busy lighting up his celebratory Havana cigar that he doesn't notice he's standing next to a left-over fart balloon. The explosion knocks him right through the TV set. Walter grabs his chance. He picks up the sack of money with his strong jaws and takes off for home, trailing $100 bills in his wake.



The police try to arrest him for the bank robbery, but the kids know Walter could never have done such a thing. They tell the cops to follow Walter back to the evil clown's lair and catch him before he's managed to get untangled from the wreckage of the TV set. Walter is a hero! The kids' father tells a few barefaced lies and manages to extricate himself from the rather tricky position he's got into. It ends happily for everyone except the clown.

Some of the other reviewers seem unhappy about the moral aspects of the story, but I found it laudably realistic. Though you may still need to locate a couple more stepping stones before your kid is ready for The Miller's Tale.

[Laima · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book to be creepy, disturbing and oh so wrong on so many levels.

Walter's family is holding a yard sale but things aren't selling well. The children, Betty and Billy, run off to buy some ice cream and while away, their father sells Walter their dog for $10 to a clown. THEN he lies to the kids saying that Walter wandered off!!
The clown ends up being a bank robber who lies to Walter saying he is blowing up balloons for a good cause - children - but is really planning a bank heist. Walter is fed beans and his farts fill up the balloons with a gas that is unleashed during the heist on the unsuspecting bank customers.

Whoa...where do I begin with how bad this book is!?!

1. The father sells their beloved pet for ten dollars... this is selfish and greedy to begin with, but then lies to his kids about it!?!... THIS is part of a children's book??? what are you telling children.. that your pets are not a member of the family and you can sell them any old time, to anyone?
2. The clown lies to the dog.
3. This clown is creepy and especially pedophile looking wearing a wife beater to the yard sale.
4. A clown carrying out a bank heist?? In a children's book??
5. The father himself is disturbing looking, in a serial killer creepy kind of way. He looks like he's a few cards short of a full deck.
6. When Walter finds his way home carrying a satchel of money, what does the father say? "We're rich" not oh Walter is back, isn't that wonderful kids.
7. The town holds a party for Walter because he is now a hero. What does the father say??
"No one could be more proud than we are....proud to call Walter our very own."
Yeah right!! What a two-faced freaking liar!

BLECHHH !!!!!

I recommend this book to NO ONE AT ALL.

[Tracey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was disturbing to both my husband and me. We are not bothered by the potty humor however the illustrations are disturbing and the father selling the beloved (if flatulent) family pet while the children are buying ice cream does not send a good message to children. The father lies when the children ask him about Walter and then when Walter returns home a hero, the father stands proudly and sings Walter's praises. After reading this to my 4 year old I asked her what she thought about the daddy. She was confused but when I pointed out that he had sold the children's pet she asked "Was he bad?"
I love the message that we should accept people and animals for who they are, but I don't think we should teach kids to accept people (even parents) that betray and tell lies. "I like Me" by Nancy L. Carson is a much better book for teaching acceptance.

[Bernadette · Rating 1 out of 5]

You will either love it or hate it. I hated it. I'm not a prude; I can sometimes appreciate potty humor. However, Trouble at the Yard Sale features such a cast of completely unsympathetic characters that I find nothing redeeming to say about this book. The father is a bastard who sells the family dog while the kids are off buying ice cream, then he lies and tells them the dog ran away. The guy he sold their dog to is an evil clown/crook who straps the dog into a "fart capturing machine" so that he can fill balloons that he then takes to the bank and pops, enabling him to rob the bank.

If your child already has a fear of clowns, this book sure won't help that. The drawings, while quite artistic and accomplished, are also quite disturbing.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

After seeing the cover of this book I got really excited because I thought it would be so awkward and funny. However, I really did not like it. I think writing about a farting dog is an awesome idea for a children's book because kids are so fascinated by farting. But I found that this book is just crude and scary. Walter gets sold by his owner to a freaky clown who forces him to fart, then uses his gas balloons to make people pass out and robs a bank! Clowns already have a terrible reputation, and I think this book makes that worse, as well as forcing a dog to eat beans and then fart constantly. Perhaps the other books in this series are better, but I would not use this book in my classroom. I think it ruins the funny ideas of farting and is just scary.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a decent, fun, fanciful, jovial book to read at all. Dumb plot, sad story. Was very disappointed in this random children’s book I picked up to read. “Farting” is funny for kids and this could’ve been oh so much better.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

After I read the first book in the “Walter the Farting Dog” series, I was yearning to read more from this hilarious and unique series and lo and behold, I picked up the second book in the “Walter the Farting Dog” series “Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale,” which was written by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, along with illustrations by Audrey Colman and it was just as hilarious as the first book!

The book starts off with Father, Betty, Billy and Walter having a yard sale, but there were no customers coming to their table during the sale. Walter the Farting Dog wonders why this is the case (although his constant farting might have something to do with it). Later on, a funny looking man comes to Father’s table, asking if Walter is for sale and Father is happy to sell Walter to the strange man. It turns out that Walter’s new owner is a man who is into the clown business and the man uses Walter’s farts to blow up balloons to take with him to parties. However, it turns out that this clown actually has evil plans for Walter’s farts and Walter might get involved in a crime that he unknowingly got into!

Wow! I never would have thought that I would read another “Walter the Farting Dog” book after all of these years! So, when I found out that William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray were creating more books for the “Walter the Farting Dog” series, I just had to check these books out and I finally checked out the second book in this series at last! I loved the way that William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray had made this book just as humorous as the first book as you never would expect to see a children’s book focus on farting as this series does! I also loved the unique situation that Walter gets stuck in as he is forced to fart into balloons for a clown who actually has evil plans for Walter’s farts and it was interesting seeing how this clown would use Walter’s farts against people! Audrey Colman’s artwork is always a treat to see as the characters are drawn in an exaggerated manner and I also loved the way that Audrey Colman uses photo realistic characters to clash with the cartoony backgrounds as it gives the book a creative feel!

Parents should know that this book involves the main character farting throughout the story and anyone who does not like crude humor might find Walter’s constant farting a bit gross to handle. Also, the reason why I took off half a point from the rating was because I did not like the fact that Father was not called out on his actions for selling Walter in the first place and I just wanted to see Father feel some kind of remorse or redeem himself for his actions in this book.

Overall, “Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale” is a great book for anyone who loves good humor and loves the “Walter the Farting Dog” series! I would recommend this book to children ages six and up since the crude humor might be a bit off-putting for some children.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend that, before you read this book, you read the first in the series, “Walter the Farting Dog,” for context and background, neither of which is particularly complex. This one tells of Father’s difficulty selling anything at all at a neighborhood yard sale, when this fellow comes along and offers to purchase Walter, farts and all, for $10. Of course, Betty and Billy are elsewhere, so Father closes the deal. The buyer is a clown, and plans to put Walter to good use with a clever device. Ah, but that “good use” turns out to be nasty and evil and antisocial and just plain greedy, with Walter a hapless aider and abettor! Of course, the evil clown’s hubris catches up with him, and – well, again, I’m not going to spoil the surprise. Great fun read and Audrey Coleman’s illustrations continue to please.

I should, however, point out a somewhat more serious aspect to these books. The authors’ dedication, in all of them, is “For everyone who’s ever felt misjudged or misunderstood.” And I would like to put forth the following quote which I found on the back cover (was also on the back cover of the original): “’Walter the Farting Dog’ is not a children’s book. It is a family classic. Everyone has a ‘Walter’ in their life, whether it be an uncle or a dog, and this beautifully illustrated book is a delight.” (from Little Professor Books, in Charlotte, N.C.) You’d think my psychological training would have made me more attuned to the underlying symbolic aspects regarding acceptance and embracing of those outside the mainstream, but alas it didn’t; maybe I should study Jung more.

Again, highly recommended. More to come!

[Deborah D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aside from the dedication of the book, I found this a detriment to the Walter stories.

Lying father, evil clown, poor Walter is a captive and the illustrations were a bit disturbing. Unfortunately there is not much of a positive lesson in this book.

I won't be reading this to my young nephews or nieces and I am donating it to the library in case SOMEONE wants it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully funny tale of Walter, a very gassy family dog. The only ones who seem to love Walter unconditionally are two human siblings. However, after the commotion and dust settle at the end of the story, he’s appreciated and loved by all. Well, except for the nefarious circus clown.

[Alanna (The Flashlight Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't be discouraged by the title. Yes, Walter is a farting dog, but it's funny--- not gross.He uses his flatulence for good, not evil.


In this book, Walter helps foil a would-be thief's dastardly plot to rob banks. No one is expecting his stink bombs to be able to take out grown men with a single whiff, but they do. In the end, the family realizes what makes a family a family, and even dad learns to appreciate Walter just the way he is.


I admit it's a bit much at time. A dog that passes gas--often-- is the focus of an entire series of picture books. But I couldn't help but feature this one. I think Walter needs some more love. My boys love these books. (Walter is a close second to Llama Llama for my youngest.) This odd humor really appeals to them, which appeals to me. Anything to make them readers!


The pictures are okay in the Walter the Farting Dog series. They aren't realistic. In fact, they have more of a cartoonish feel, which seems appropriate for the content. Not sure how realistic you could make a fart cloud look in a picture book... Plus, seeing it blown out of proportion on the pages makes it even funnier to the kids.


So, if you're like me and you have young boys that have that quirky sense of humor, they would probably enjoy this series. Just put the mom squeamishness aside as you read it aloud. You'll enjoy their giggles as you read together if you do.

[Stephen Mealing · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a flashback to dark hidden part of my childhood moments ago when I remembered something about the farting dog and a clown holding up banks. I wasn't even sure if it was real or a messed up memory, until I came across the book online an reread it. Horrifying story, I am unsure why I was ever made to read that when I was younger. I think I probably have lifelong psychological damage somewhere in my psyche due to the experience of reading this. As I read it, it pulled dark and twisted memories out of depths oh my mind. I realized that it all been real. Do not make your kids read this.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

First the horrible dad character sells the family dog at a garage sale to a creepy man who dresses up in clown costumes to rob banks. The clown shackles the dog up to a fart-catching machine. It's awful on so many levels and the illustrations are creepy, in not-cool way. Although I don't care for this series, I'd recommend sticking with the original Walter the Farting Dog (if you must).

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. The Dad sells the "beloved" family dog at a yard sale for $10 to a clown to attach him to a machine so he can use him to rob banks? How did this ever get published? I was going to donate it back to the library book sale I got it from, but I think I'll just recycle it instead to spare anyone else from reading it.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would rate this book higher, but I cannot get over the Dad selling the family dog at a yard sale while the kids aren't around! That's horrible! And again, creepy artwork. Otherwise, I found the idea of using farts as a dangerous weapon quite funny.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that bad guys are blown away by Walter's fart? It was a funny book.

[Brogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walter stopped a bank robber with his fart. I thought it was a funny book.

[PejTEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walter is like me :)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot sum up what I am feeling about this book

[Summer D Clemenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, Walter’s family brought him to the yard sale and wondered why no one came to their yard sale, not even other animals. If you know about Walter, you know he is a dog with terrible, smelly gas. Walter probably should have stayed inside for the day but where is the humor in that? Walter’s amazing farting was so powerful, he only caught the attention of a wannabe bank robber with extra stinky crime on his mind, in Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray. I was shocked that Father was willing to part with Walter for only $10 but in the end, Walter made his way home and saved the day. The fun illustrations by Audrey Colman really make this children’s fiction picture book extra fun!

[Danielle Beisiegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble At the Yard Sale by William Kotzwinkle is an entertaining book with a personal connection to the reader.

The farting dog introduced by William Kotzwinkle is the perfect way to get children excited to read a book, as well as have a personal connection. Everyone has a 'Walter' in their life, which helps the reader become more engaged.

Overall, I recommend Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble At the Yard Sale by William Kotzwinkle to any child for the simple enjoyment of reading a funny book! As a future teacher, this is the perfect book to help children become eager to pick up a book!

[Jaxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

YALL WHAT DID I JUST READ !!!???? Got this book at the thrift store and every page shocks you more and more. Each page the story gets weirder and somehow takes another curve ball. The art looks like something you’d see in a contemporary art museum in the 2000s. Definitely a much read and one of the wildest children’s books I’ve read in a while. The art gives a weird uncanny valley feeling to the book tho cuz the story rly is silly but the art makes it feel uncomfortable. 100000/10

[Mariah Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super disturbing ... I felt weird even reading it and we immediately returned it to the library the same day ... the first book was good but this one was honestly trash and the beach one wasn't good either. Super weird and creepy.
Some things should just be "one and doners" & this book is the perfect example of such.
I don't even know who passed this through and bought it was a good idea.

- signed someone who never leaves a review but felt so compelled to for this mess

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved Walter, but had trouble with reaffirming the positive moral in this one. THE DAD'S A JERK. Who would sell the dog for $10 anyway? Walter is not valuable to him until he 'saves the day' he doesn't care at all (about Walter or his children's feelings.) I don't think this one had heart in it. That bothers me.

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binge reading Walter the Farting Dog stories today. I find them witty.

EDIT: After I posted this review, I had to laugh because Goodreads offered me a selection of friends to recommend this to because they like Crime books. It made me laugh as I don't thinks Walter stopping a bank robber is quite what they would have in mind, but these days, I am easily amused.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate giving a negative rating to a kids' book like this, but this just was NOT it. Not only was it incredibly immature, and it wasn't even funny for the kindergartener I was reading it too. The art was terrifying, the plot was bizarre, and it just was not at all funny. I'm disappointed. I definitely would not recommend this one for any kids you want to grow up to be intelligent individuals.

[Melissa V · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst children’s books I’ve ever read. This bad review isn’t even about the fact this book is about farts. It’s the fact that the father sells the family dog and then lies to his children as they search the neighborhood for the dog. The fact that the dog is locked up, there are bank robberies, smoking, and violence is just ridiculous for a children’s book.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dad sales Walter at the yard sale, when Billy and Betty leave to purchase some ice cream cones. Walter's new owner plans to use Walter to go on a crime spree. Walter escapes, and leads the police to the criminal's hide out. Remember- Some clowns just can't be trusted.

[Jamie Gogocha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Who in the world gave this book the thumbs up to be sold to children? Let's see... We have a selfish liar of a father, we have a robbery, and a little animal cruelty for good measure. Yup, sounds like a good story time choice to me. Sheesh.

[Chazlin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great laugh, like all of Walter's books! Has a great plot of the rising action, climax, falling action and resolution for kids who might be starting learning about this. Great illustrations, humorous, and has learning points for students learning about plots of the sotry.