New York Times bestseller Joan Holub’s latest graphic novel, Fart Boy and Reeky Dog (Random House Books for Young Readers / April 8, 2025 / $17.99), isn’t just a hilarious adventure—it’s a STEM-powered journey that sneaks in science between giggles. With colorful, high-energy illustrations by Rafael Rosado, this book is perfect for reluctant readers and science-curious kids ages 7-10.
Kids and parents will love Fart Boy and Reeky Dog for its perfect mix of humor, adventure, and sneaky STEM learning. Through a hilarious superhero story, the book introduces real science concepts like digestion and renewable energy in a fun, accessible way. The engaging graphic novel format boosts reading confidence, especially for reluctant readers, with bold illustrations and an action-packed storyline. Packed with wacky villains, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming friendship, School Library Journal called this book “A must-have for any elementary library, this is perfect for fans of series like “Captain Underpants” and “Dog Man.”
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
Where did you get your idea for the book?
I loved Sci-Fi movies, TV superheroes, and good-against-evil plots when I was a kid. So I wrote Fart Boy and Reeky Dog—my first graphic novel—with those kinds of characters in mind. Professor Gravypants and Fart Boy were the first two characters I thought of. Gravypants employs gadgets (and beans) to bring Fart Boy to life in the vein of “Yes! I have created a monster!” When his design goes awry, and he creates a good guy (Fart Boy) instead. Just like in sci-fi TV and films, it’s good guys against bad guys!
How can humor make books particularly appealing?
Things that are somewhat forbidden—farts, for instance—are kid magnets. Magnets that garner giggles and entice kids to read. Characters and action imbued with goofy, oddball humor have an appeal like no other for 7-11 age readers. Dish up over-the-top personalities such as a gutsy boy with gadgets in a secret underground lab. One who eats a bean taco (he’s allergic) that causes him to blast through the roof of his school, and you’ll keep kids reading.
What other elements of children's literature can encourage reluctant readers?
Kids like knowing stuff. Given the right book (perhaps one peppered with science facts that make them laugh?) they’ll unintentionally learn something. Consider a silly song about how digestion works. And what kinds of gadgets might kids create themselves after reading about the futuristic ones that Fart Boy and friends unearth (and must figure out how to use) in the evil Professor’s underground lab? Huh? Kids excited about exploring science themes and our future as humans? Just imagine!
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