Toby Tootles

by Stephanie Gibeault, Mary Sullivan (illustrator)

Toby is having the best birthday party ever until an ill-timed and unintended toot draws unwelcome attention and teasing. Poor Toby--he is so embarrassed! And now everyone is calling him "Tootles." To get out from under his cloud of shame, Toby goes to visit his grandmother, hoping to get some sympathy and understanding. But as it turns out, Grandma is a bit of a gasbag herself with her own windy issues. She toots not once, not twice, but THREE times during Toby's visit. And she's not even embarrassed about it! But Toby is. He's embarrassed by her and for her. It's only when Toby is facing another digestive episode that he realizes maybe it's time to follow Grandma's lead and not let little things get in the way of enjoying life. After all, gas happens! A sweet and funny lesson on how to handle life's hiccups and other unexpected "eruptions."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Humor, Family, Animals

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

About the author

Stephanie Gibeault is a children’s author and award-winning freelance writer. As a former biologist and certified professional dog trainer, she loves writing about dogs and other animals. She is the author of Toby Tootles (Sleeping Bear Press, illustrated by Mary Sullivan), a funny picture book about social emotional learning with farting rabbits, and Can't Get Enough Dog Stuff (National Geographic Kids, co-authored with Moira Rose Donohue), a middle grade packed with canine trivia, jokes, activities, and expert interviews. And there are more books about animals to come including From Calculating Chimpanzees to Brainy Bees: Mathematical Abilities in Animals (Candlewick/MIT Kids Press, spring 2024, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett), Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World (Owlkids Books, spring 2024, illustrated by Raz Latif), and Dogs Versus Humans: Showdown of the Senses (Owlkids Books, spring 2025, illustrated by Bambi Edlund).

Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology and evolution and a Master of Science in animal behavior. Her time in academia involved grunting with gorillas and stinking like marmoset monkeys. Years later, dog training meant being covered in fur and drool. Now she spends her days just outside of Toronto, Canada, convincing her clumsy cat Heton not to take over her keyboard.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone gets embarrassed sometimes and “gas happens”- the perfect read for young readers about how to handle awkward situations

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby toots, but so does grandma!

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and sweet book about the embarrassment of natural bodily functions. Makes a great SEL book for youngsters. Author Stephanie Gibeault approaches this occurrence with humor and a range of emotions from embarrassment to acceptance. I love the relationship between Toby and his grandmother. If you love fun, silly picture books like Laura Gehl's "One Big Pair of Underwear," you will enjoy "Toby Tootles" and the amusing illustrations by Mary Sullivan.

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many kids books that make liberal use of bodily functions to get a laugh out of kids. This is NOT one of them. Toby, embarrassed by a fart that escapes at his birthday party, cannot believe that Grandma is so UN-embarrassed about her own toots. "Gas happens," says Grandma, casually. Of course, kids will find the farts in the book giggle-worthy, but at its heart this is *really* a book about embarrassing moments and how to handle them gracefully – a lesson we can all stand to learn.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toby, an adorable rabbit, becomes terribly embarrassed after he farts during an important moment at his birthday party. His sister and friends tease him, calling him Tootles. In an attempt to forget his humiliation, Toby visits his grandmother for some distraction. But she farts at various points, even while shopping at the grocery store, all of which makes Toby angry and even further embarrassed, especially since she's so matter of fact about the noisy expulsion of gas. Later, the two of them dine out, and Toby eats so much that he can't hold in a fart. Despite his best efforts, out it comes, but this time he remembers how Grandma reacted and makes a joke. As another reviewer pointed out, this one does contain humor, which is to be expected given the subject matter, but it also offers advice about how to deal with situations that are embarrassing. After all, everyone has something that they've done that made them feel self-conscious. Farting in public isn't the end of the world. It all depends on how someone handles that embarrassing experience. There are tips about how to do so in the back matter. The colorful, expression-filled artwork fits the story well. This picture book would be a good choice to share with youngsters so that they can see themselves in Toby and not let themselves be devastated when something embarrassing happens.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

After tooting in school, Toby becomes embarrassed because his classmates give him the nickname Toby Tootles. He quickly adapts the fear of what others think of him and struggles with his self-esteem. But when he visits his grandma, he's surprised to discover that she lets gas slip out like it's nothing. She even laughs and brushes it off. Toby soon becomes embarrassed by her when they're around others. But with one toot after another, grandma shows him that it isn't something to fret over.

TOBY TOOTLES teaches children that everybody passes gas and it's completely normal. I love how green represents gas and how adorable the illustrations are. It's funny to see how nonchalant Toby's grandma is and it reminds me of my own. My daughter and I laughed through this entire book and it's important to curve bad bullying habits with books like these too. It's a book that should even be shared in a classroom because of the resonating message and how it applies to all children.


Final Verdict: Using humor as a weapon, TOBY TOOTLES helps teach children about self-esteem issues and how to overcome them. It also teaches them that bodily functions like passing gas are normal and not something to be embarrassed of.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of fart themed picture books so I was really excited to learn about Toby Tootles! Can I tell you how funny this book is? It is hilarious! Stephanie Gibeault's words and Mary Sullivan's illustrations are a winning combination! I just watched a virtual reading of it this afternoon and laughed out loud through the whole book! It was so wonderful to hear the giggles of the kids in attendance, too! They are the true reviewers! :)

I had a feeling it was going to be good, but it surpassed my expectations! It is now one of my very favorite fart PBs! I will be purchasing multiple copies!

I know some people don't think farts, and fart books for that matter, are funny. To each his own, truly! One of the things I love about this book is that it takes a normal, yet often embarrasing, fact of life and normalizes it with immense humor.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction after reading Toby Tootles, written by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Mary Sullivan, was what a fantastic book! Let me tell you why. It’s not an obnoxious farting book like others I’ve glanced through. It’s about being embarrassed about something everybody does. Little Toby toots by accident at his birthday party and everyone laughs. When his grandmother does the same thing at home, then at the store, Toby is totally embarrassed. But his grandmother just shrugs it off with “Gas happens.” I won’t tell you the ending, but there’s a follow up author’s note after the story that talks about embarrassing moments and how to deal with them. Toby Tootles opens the door for many conversations about all things embarrassing and how to react when it happens to you. I will definitely be buying this for my grandson!

[Molly Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOBY TOOTLES tells the story of Toby, who is having a wonderful time at his birthday party. But just as he is about to blow out the birthday candles, he farts! All the kids laugh and make fun of him, including his sister, who calls him “Toby Tootles”. To help him forget his “gassy gaffe”, Toby visits his Grandmother, but it turns out she is gassy, too! This is a delightful book from beginning to end. Not only is the text funny and relatable, but the expressive characters and hilarious details in the pictures also had me laughing all the way through. You will likely do the same, while simultaneously learning that to laugh at yourself can smooth over life’s most embarrassing moments. A sweet, wholesome, hilarious book with an uplifting message. Highly recommend!

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I love this book?
The topic is something that every kid and every adult will relate to – and an SEL book about farting and learning to be comfortable in your own skin is much needed!

The illustrations are so much fun – and I love that the characters are animals – this allows the child reader to connect but not feel anyone is pointing a finger at them.

The text provides so many wonderful examples of embarrassing moments. I believe that many of us worry too much about what others are thinking. And we often worry about what others are thinking of the people we are with…I know that was true for me. When I was a kid, I wished my dad wouldn’t tell jokes that I was sure others wouldn’t find funny. I love that the author shows us how embarrassed Toby is when his grandmother farts.

[Marie Prins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are most people and children, except for the very young, embarrassed about doing in public? Passing gas! Farting! We probably remember every time our faces burned with shame when a fart leaked out of our body. Toby believes he ruined his birthday party by tooting, until his grandmother not only toots in private, but also in public, and laughs away its sting by explaining “gas happens” with each of her gassy outbursts. Kids will totally relate to Toby’s predicament and love his grandmother’s very practical approach to tootles. A definite must-read, including the author’s note, on how to deal with embarrassing moments in one’s life. Sullivan’s illustrations are delightfully reminiscent of Richard Scarry books.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this charming, funny, reassuring picture book written by debut author Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Mary Sullivan, Toby is a gassy rabbit who finds himself mortified and teased when he farts at his birthday party. Through a series of funny incidents, his also-windy grandma lets him know that "gas happens" to everyone, and Toby learns to take it all in stride. Kids will laugh out loud at the fart theme and love the details of the humorous illustrations, but also come away understanding that how we choose to respond to embarrassing moments in life is what counts most. An adorably sweet and funny SEL story!

(I received an ARC for review.)

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In TOBY TOOTLES, written by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Mary Sullivan, Toby is having the “Best. Birthday. Party. EVER!” until it’s time to blow out the candles on his cake—and he accidentally farts. The kids laugh and call him names, and now Toby is having the “Worst. Birthday. Party. EVER!" So imagine his surprise when, during a visit with Grandma, a “toot escape[s] her bottom” and she doesn’t even care. “Gas happens,” she tells him. Cartoony illustrations up the fun in this fart-tastic tale about learning to take embarrassing moments in stride. Back matter reinforces and expands on the relevant takeaways. Funny AND heartwarming, loved it!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's a book about tooting. Toby toots and gets called Toby Tootles. He is so embarrassed. He spends the day with his grandma, who toots more than him! Everytimes someone toots, she just calmly says, "Well, gas happens." Well, I guess it does. An unconventional tale with a style that feels a little like Arthur, teaching us that everyone toots and does other embarrassing things. It's not about what we do, but how we respond to them that makes the difference.

Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Tasha Hilderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is toot funny, I mean, too funny! Toby experiences something we all dread-- the accidental, audible toot. His embarrassment is palpable, and the sneaky toot blew out on his birthday, no less. Through the story, we get to experience a few more instances of troublesome toots and how they are handled. Kids will really get a kick out the descriptive words and situations these stinkers show up, and also some smart tips on managing feelings and emotions around them. The illustrations are fun and lively, and the characters are relatable. (And honestly, three cheers for Grandma. I got a real kick out of her!) Definitely a fun one to add to your collection!

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Tootles written by Stephanie Gibeault is a fun narrative with an important message. Toby farts at his own birthday party and gets embarrassed. His friends call him Toby Tootles to add to injury. However, as he spends time with his grandmother, he sees that farting (and having gas) is a normal thing. He begins to feel comfortable with himself and his bodily functions as after all, everyone farts. The message of just being yourself and not feeling embarrassed is a great one. Mary Sullivan's illustrations are equally delightful.

[Molly Cranch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Tootles is a cute story about a very familiar but somewhat embarassing situation- passing gas! The main character Toby unwittingly passes gas at his birthday party, causing him to feel embarassment. Toby later spends the day with Grandma who encourages him to let go of embarassment and to enjoy life. The illustrations wonderfully show the humor of the situation. There are lots of picture books about passing gas, but I love how this book shows how to deal with the emotion of embarassment through a loving familial connection.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Toby Tootles! He was having the best birthday party ever...until he farts! His guests laugh and Toby is embarrassed.

When he visits his grandmother, she toots. Toby is shocked. Grandmother says, "gas happens." Later, Toby toots again. He agrees gas happens and shares a laugh with his grandmother. An embarrassing moment doesn't have to be so awful. It's natural.

The author's note includes a personal experience about embarrassing moments, but how you handle those moments makes the difference.

Toby Tootles is a cute book about a normal experience.

Ages 18 months and up.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Tootles, written by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Mary Sullivan, is a hilarious and lighthearted story about handling those awkward "gassy moments" we all experience. The dynamic duo of Toby and his grandma, paired with colorful and humorous illustrations, makes this book relatable and delightful for kids. The author’s note, where she shares her own embarrassing childhood moments, adds a personal and endearing touch. Young readers are sure to laugh out loud while enjoying this tootles-worthy tale!

[Judith Valdés B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut author Stephanie Gibeault’s picture book TOBY TOOTLES is cute and funny. It is perfect for young children (and their grandparents reading it to them). It will help the readers understand that we all have embarrassing moments when natural bodily functions happen and what matters most is how we choose to respond to them.

The author’s note highlights moments in her life when she too was embarrassed and like Toby, she chose to laugh and move on.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious and heartwarming all at the same time. I was lucky enough to get to hear the author read aloud Toby Tootles. My little ones grinned the whole time and we all laughed. The grandparent/grandchild relationship is so lovely (and funny), and I appreciate the good-natured refrain: "Hey, gas happens." The charming and chuckle-inspiring illustrations really add to the humor and heart of this super-fun book. Kids are going to love this book!

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOBY TOOTLES is full of humor & heart! I love the intergenerational relationship between Toby & his grandma. The animal illustrations by Mary Sullivan & text by Stephanie Gibeault complement each other perfectly. The themes of accepting embarrassing moments, knowing we’ve all felt embarrassed, and moving forward with your head held high are all universal and important lessons. I can’t imagine a kid who wouldn’t delight in receiving this super fun book for a gift.

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embarrassing moments happen, and working with early years children I was taken right into the classroom reading Toby Tootles. When Toby toots blowing out his candles everyone laughs! Happily for Toby, he has a super cool grandma who teaches him a lesson or two about dealing with these awkward times. Toby Tootles by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Mary Sullivan should be in every early years class library, and part of their SEL collection.

[Martha Bellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby's happiness over his birthday party turns to misery when an accidental toot leaves him feeling embarrassed and ready to hide. But a trip to his grandmother's house shows him that Grandma has a different approach to tooting. It happens! And she doesn't let it bother her.
For any child who's experienced an embarrassing situation. This book shows it's how you respond that ultimately matters. And hey, everyone faces embarrassing moments at some point.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no doubt that there are plenty of little ones of a certain age that would love this book, all about tooting. Not my favorite thing to do or hear or...ahem...smell, but hey, I'm an adult. My favorite part of the book was the Author's Message with a truly important message for me, Mrs. Embarrassed-by-Tooting.

[Dano Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of this adorable and humorous book, Toby thinks his day is ruined when he toots in front of his friends. But after spending some time with grandma, he realizes everyone toots and learns to laugh at himself without embarrassment. This book is sure to entertain kids while also opening up conversations about bodies and acceptance. Highly recommend!

[Kari Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Tootles is a fartastic read aloud! Humor, SEL, grandparent and grandchild relationships, and normalizing embarrassing moments, because they happen to us all! This book belongs in every school, library and home and begs to be re-read over and over. And wait until you see the illustrations- perfection!

[Julie Hauswirth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses humor to make embarrassing moments relatable for kids and adults. Kids laughed out loud and even my husband couldn't hold in his giggles. With super fun alliteration, fantastic illustrations that bring the humor to life, and a candid author's note, this book will make the whole family smile.

[Laurie Carmody · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I giggled through every single page of this fabulous book and we ALL instantly wanted to reread it. Not only full of little fart noises, it also teaches readers that it's ok to toot. And even more widely, that it's ok to be authentic and honest with life's little foibles. The illustrations are hilarious and full of details readers will want to revisit time and time again. Love it!

[Logan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun and funny. The art was great. The moral of the story was great. The characters were interesting. My favorite spread was the one where the poor rabbit sits on the tandem bike with his face directly in range of another fart from grandma. I got a good chuckle out of that!
Totally worth reading!