School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-Nilly may be short in stature, but he looms large when it comes to confidence. When he moves in next door to Lisa, who just lost her best friend, the twosome become curious about an older gentleman living nearby. Soon they befriend Doctor Proctor who spends his time trying to come up with a blockbuster invention that will enable him to win the heart of his lost love in Paris. When the doctor shows Nilly and Lisa his fart powder, they realize the potential for sales to other kids. Two troll brothers, however, have other ideas as does their evil and greedy father. Soon there's a bungled burglary, then Nilly and the professor are locked in an escape-proof prison cell, and there's a giant anaconda in the Oslo sewers. Nesbo's blend of hyperbole and predictability will grab kids, thanks to a superbly timed and nuanced narration by William Dufris. VERDICT This is a smart and funny tale that kids will really enjoy.-John R. Clark, Hartland Public Library, ME © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Provocative title aside, Norwegian author Nesbo's children's book debut is a sweet, silly, and often amusing tale. A very small boy named Nilly moves to Oslo, Norway, where he quickly meets the titular mad scientist, who has accidentally invented two fart powders. One provides classic flatulence (albeit without the odor), while the other leads to flatulence so strong that it can propel children hundreds of feet into the air. As Nilly and his new friend Lisa help market the invention, they find themselves at the mercy of twin bullies Truls and Trym and their corrupt father. The over-the-top story eventually ties in the toughest prison in Norway and a vicious sewer anaconda, but Nesbo writes with an appropriately silly tone to justify these twists. The goofiness does eventually wear thin, but Nilly's oversize tall tales, Lisa's common sense, and Proctor's insane inventions should charm younger readers, even those who might be disappointed that the book isn't quite as gross as the title implies. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Nilly's family moves next door to Dr. Proctor, an eccentric professor who invents a fart powder capable of sending people into space. But when Nilly discovers a plot to steal the powder, he and his friend Lisa must act to protect the professor and his invention. Striking a good balance between wit and absurdity, the text echoes the bizarre and hilarious world of Roald Dahl. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
In this well-knit crossover debut for young audiences, a popular Norwegian author crafts an airy farce from elements both familiar and offbeatfrom new friends with wildly disparate personalities afflicted by big but really stupid bullies (with a father to match) to an eccentric inventor and encounters with a giant anaconda in the sewers of Oslo. No sooner do shy Lisa and her brash, pint-sized new neighbor Nilly (William) bond than they also hook up with lonely Doctor Proctorcreator of a marvelous powder that produces massive, britches-busting bursts of (odorless) intestinal gas. Nesb takes this promising MacGuffin in directions more comical than gross, having his two young protagonists use the powder in clever ways to foil hulking nemeses Truls and Trym, escape the aforementioned anaconda and ultimately even provide festive explosions for the grand Norwegian Independence Day celebration. Readers will have blasts of their own cheering on the sturdy protagonists. Lowery's childlike line drawings are too sparse to have a noticeable effect on this rib-tickling tale. (Fiction. 10-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
A popular Norwegian writer of crime stories offers his first children's book. After Nilly moves to a new house, he makes friends with a young neighbor, Lisa, as well as an eccentric inventor, Dr. Proctor, who shows the kids his amazing powder that causes loud gaseous explosions (minus the accompanying odor). The inventor's experiments lead to an even more powerful powder that propels Nilly to outer space and back. Dr. Proctor hopes to sell this version to NASA, but a dishonest rich guy tries to steal the powder, aided by his none-too-bright sons. Things become even more complicated after Nilly lands in jail and an anaconda that lives in Oslo's sewer system takes on the bad guys. In a final comic scene, the Norwegian army uses the powder for an Independence Day salute. Nesbo tells his fantastical story in a matter-of-fact, deadpan style, and Lowery's simple illustrations match the dry, comedic tone well. The title promises young readers a story with a bang, and it delivers.--Morning, Todd Copyright 2010 Booklist
