Member Reviews

The narrator carries the story. A factual book with a different way of looking at feelings. It brings a smile . What child doesn’t giggle when they hear the word “fart”, (or the sound of one). This will be a high interest item in any library, bookstore, or home. Opens up avenues of communication between adults and children with the serious subject of dealing with emotions.

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In a Nutshell: Possibly the most creative exploration of feelings I have ever read! Love how it combined the two troublesome F words (Feelings and Farts, ye of dirty mind!) and establishes the similarity between them. A great book for kids – fun and educational.

________ are a necessary part of being human. All of us have ________. We can sense ________ building up in our body at times, but sometimes, they pop out unexpectedly. Depending on the type of ________, the resultant explosion can be hilarious or stinky or embarrassing. Holding onto the ________ until we reach a safe place isn't always possible. At times, it is just better to let ________ out immediately. Don’t worry much about the consequences, because all ________ pass in a while and you will feel better afterwards.

Each of the above blanks can fit in two words: “Feelings” or “Farts”. Thus you see the brilliance of the potent simile in the title. Both feelings and farts involve paying attention to yourself and your body.

Most kids are fond of toilet humour. (Some of us don’t outgrown it even in adulthood! 🤭) So this book is a brilliant way of grabbing kids’ attention towards understanding their bodies and their feelings (and farts) without feeling awkward.

The audiobook clocks at just 5 minutes. The narrator Tim Campbell has the perfect voice to narrate this work, enunciating clearly and stressing in all the right places. However, I felt like the audiobook was over even before I could properly get into it. This might be a ME problem; I never read children's picture books on audio as I love illustrations as much as the textual content. However, the title was too fabulous to resist! Plus, Macmillan audiobooks always have great production. So I wanted to see if this audio came with some fartilicious sound effects. It did! However, there is much background music so the comical toots get drowned out. Also, I feel that kids might miss out on the deeper intent of the book if they listen to the audio because their attention will be more focussed on the farts than on the metaphor with feelings.

I did miss the illustrations, so I took a peek at the sample illustrations available on Edelweiss. They match the vibe on the cover - monochrome graphics in a slightly blurry art style. Not my kind of graphics, but they do work for the story.

All in all, this book adds a new depth to feelings (and farts.) It is a simple way of learning more about how to handle complex feelings (and farts) and let go as needed. Children might enjoy this light-hearted approach towards the serious issue of tackling complex feelings (and farts.)

I still prefer reading children's books, but the narrator and the sound effects make this a viable option for those who enjoy children’s picture books on audio. The content is right for ages 4-8.

3.5 stars, rounding down for the audio version.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio and Macmillan Young Listeners for providing the ALC of “Feelings Are Like Farts” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.

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I received an ALC from NetGalley to review.

“Feelings are like Farts” is hilarious. It’s silly, comical, but sends a genuinely positive and accurate message about the importance of processing your feelings and not just bottling them up. It can be challenging to explain to kids (and adults, honestly) why it is crucial to understand your feelings so you can face them head on and allow them to pass, but relating them to farts makes it make sense. It’s a clever simile that makes kids laugh, but actually drives the point home in a very effective way. I loved this book, and laughed out loud several times as I found myself nodding along. There are some very valuable lessons in this book, and I’d encourage kids and adults alike to check it out!

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This was a hilarious kids book. Using farts to explain feelings in genius! I listened to this on my own but will have my kids listen to it as well!

The narrator did a good job. Would love to hear the bloopers as I'm sure it was hard to keep a straight face/voice while reading this!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for a copy of the audio ARC in exchange for my opinion.

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This is a cute and funny children's book! My kids loved it and it sparked a few good conversations about how we can't always control our feelings and they're better out than in!

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This book is deceptively layered and very well done. Normalizing feelings and farts by using them in the context of each other is an every day way to bolster children's concept of self. They learn how to have farts and feelings safely, to talk to adults if they hurt, etc. It's a silly context to deliver great messages. This book would be useful in an elementary school library or read as part of a lesson with an elementary school counselor or nurse.

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We all laughed throughout this 4 minute audiobook! I can't wait to see it published with pictures! Who knew feelings and farts were so similar!

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Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for letting me and my daughter listen to this audiobook.

This was a funny but also serious comparison book of farts to feelings. My daughter was laughing out loud to the story and fart sounds but like any audiobook we have listened too she always wants pictures haha. I think I understood the story more than she did she was only concerned with the farts not the feelings part. But I think it was a really great read and it did help make those feelings understandable.
We also enjoyed the narrators voice and his extra sound effects ahha.
I would recommend this to other readers.

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This is a fun, clever little story. All the comparisons are spot on. None seems forced - farts shouldn't be forced either. My daughter requested to listen to this one a couple days in a row. I'd be curious if the illustrations are a mix of silly and serious like the story. Oddly enough, this might b a good one for thoughtful children because they're more likely to pick up on the double-sidednes of it.

Thank you for the audio ARC!

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This book is just as helpful as any book about the biology/anatomy of the body - that speaks to children. Having a book that normalizes HAVING feelings and being able to express them is necessary as we have come leaps and bounds in the world of psychology. This generation of children are being raised by a generation that were just now allowed to HAVE feelings but unsure how to parent their own children in a way that allows the feelings to be felt but separate the reaction to them. I think having literature like this is a step in the right direction.

The audio of this book is funny and will be attractive to children. There are enough sound effects and background noise to add to the flavor as well.

I would absolutely recommend this book to any parent friends and will keep this on hand for when I'm a grandparent someday.

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This book had a cute message about feelings and how to deal with them. My 8 year old daughter enjoyed listening to it with me, however her opinion at the end was that "it was a little bit weird but taught me about feelings". I think that we both would enjoy it more as a print or ebook copy. I would love to add audiobooks to my elementary school library, and would consider this one if I had a print copy to go along with it as a tandem read to see the illustrations. This would be a great option for younger students to be able to read this independently even if they aren't truly reading yet.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the advance listening copy of this book.

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This book was so light hearted and fun. I great book for kids who have trouble with feelings. Definitely a book for any psychologist office as a way of getting kids to open up and have a laugh. I will definitely put this in a free little library

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This audiobook is a great listen for children who might worry that it's not ok to have feelings....or farts. The book makes both seem like a natural and normal part of being human and completely dissipates any shame or embarrassment for having either one! I loved all of the comparisons and this would make a great addition to a social emotional support classroom library!

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I never thought of this correlation prior to reading this book,but feelings really are like farts! This book became an instant new favorite picture book that I know my students will both laugh about and understand the underlying comparison. It makes feelings seem like a normal thing instead of intimidating or embarrassing.
(Thanks to the publisher for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. )

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What a great way to showcase feelings in an understandable way for the younger audience, like a fart!
The similarities shown throughout the book are ones that I as an adult understand, but also that my four year old could grasp. She was nodding along and smiled at parts.
That is really what is great about this book, getting the information across (that holding feelings in isn't the best), and ways to get them out (in private, or with people you trust).
Will definitely come back to this book again and again!

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💨 Book Review 💨

📖 Feelings Are Like Farts by Christopher Willard, PsyD & Tara Wosiski
🎧 Narrated by Tim Campbell

Bathroom humor for the win! This book is silly in the best way while delivering an important reminder—feelings, like farts, should be let out. Perfect for kids (and kids at heart), it uses humor to normalize emotions and self-expression.

The audio version is a treat, complete with a full soundtrack, sound effects, and all! If you enjoy playful books with a meaningful message, this one is worth a listen.

A huge thank you to the author, McMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review!

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ADORABLE! Such a great way to describe feelings. As both a psych and a mom - I loved it and would recommend. Also, love when a children’s book is just as good when it’s an audio book! The narration was great.

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This book is a must-have for elementary libraries. It offers a light-hearted explanation of feelings. The comparison to farts will tickle children's funny bones while at the same time allowing them to explore the idea of the transience of feelings. Children will also learn, that feelings are universal--everyone has them.

The matter of fact explanation will make sense to children, and make it easier for adults to explain. As one who spent time with elementary school students and has had 'serious' discussions of farts and their universality, I believe this book is a valuable addition to collections.

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This audiobook is a true delight for children, seamlessly blending a well-crafted story with engaging background sounds that add an extra layer of excitement. The sound effects really bring the narrative to life, keeping young listeners both intrigued and entertained from start to finish.
It's become a wonderful addition to our morning routine, striking the perfect balance between laughter and lighthearted fun. The humor is especially effective at sparking giggles and smiles—something every parent can appreciate! What’s more, it offers a chance to pause and bring a positive, joyful vibe to any part of the day, all while gently focusing on feelings and promoting the idea that emotions are nothing to be ashamed of.
At just the right length, this audiobook is short enough to keep kids engaged, making it a perfect way to add a bit of fun and positivity to the day.

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Thank you for the advanced audiobook. This was a super cute little book. I listened with my niece and nephew and they enjoyed it.

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