Dirt Boy

Plot Summary

Fister Farnello loves dirt so much that he escapes the bathtub to run off to the deep woods. There he has the most rotten and delightful time getting even dirtier, especially after he makes friends with Dirt Man, a giant who hasn't taken a bath in one thousand years. Giggly and gross and full of outrageous tall-tale humor, this is a great read-aloud choice for kids who love dirt and the adults who clean up after them.

Awards

2002-2003 Volunteer State Book Award K-3 Master List; Children's Choices for 2001 - CBC/IRA

Reviews

"The squishy delight of wallowing in mud and mess is the elemental appeal for young preschoolers in this mucky picture book. . . The pictures—in watercolor and gouache—glory in the dirt. There are close-ups of the giant's teeth covered in green gunk, of mushrooms sprouting from the boy's toes, and of Fister's stinky breath blowing out in a thick, green cloud. The story stays true to the slapstick fun of getting dirty, even as it admits to the coziness and comfort of being clean." Booklist

"An attention-getting opening line begins the saga of Fister, the 'smelly-stinky-mucky-gritty-grimy-grubby-little-dirt-boy.' . . Slangerup's tale will have instant credibility with young listeners, who will recognize in Fister a kindred spirit. The narrative is readaloud ready, and storytimers are going to chuckle with unbelieving delight. . . The pictures are large enough to use with a group; just don't read this one aloud on a day when there are mud puddles." The Bulletin

"This is a witty fantasy about a topic with which children are quite familiar. The bright, bold watercolor-and-gouache illustrations in various shades of green and brown capture the essence of filth. In addition, Manders used 'acrylic paint, crackle medium, modeling paste, colored pencils, sponges, fingers, and old toothbrushes' to create Dirt Boy. Wacky depictions of filthy Fister and the giant will amuse children. An engaging tale appropriate for reading aloud." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
baths, humor, fun, funny, silly