Like Lisa Kopelke's Excuse Me!
(Children's Forecasts, Jan. 13), Müller's (Giant Jack) tale of a flatulent frog hangs its humor on a basic bodily function. But unlike Kopelke's hero, who learns his lesson, here a fart saves Farley's life. Farley the Frog "had to fart all the time. When he was eating, pfffooottt!... Even when he was sleeping, pfffooottt!" There's not a lot of substance to the airy plot (Farley passes gas in several places, sees the doctor, and then encounters trouble trying to stop), while the amount of pfffooottting seems over the top. But the preschool set will likely erupt in giggles, even if adults may groan at a tired pun or two ("The doctor rolled his eyes and sputtered. 'Nothing serious. Just, um, a case of a little gas. It will pass' "). Red-roofed, white farm houses dotting the outdoor scenes add European touches to the artwork; while humorous details (e.g., small red fish with resigned expressions leap from a pond-turned-Jacuzzi, courtesy of Farley's emissions) enliven the proceedings of the hapless cartoon frog, who resembles a chubby Kermit. When Farley attempts to quell his noisy outbursts and swells up like a Macy's parade balloon, readers can easily guess the remedy for his airborne plight. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)
