a treasure trove of bathroom humor

Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring by Matthew Burgess (Nonfiction Picture Book)

I was delighted by this vividly illustrated biography of an artist who let his lines lead him through his artwork. Though there was plenty of information about Haring’s journey as a talented artist, I appreciated how Burgess placed just as much emphasis on Haring’s connection with children and his desire to support and encourage everyone’s ability to make and appreciate art. I also enjoyed both the biographical and author’s notes for a deeper look into Keith Haring’s life and the fruition of this book.

Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere by Elise Gravel (Juvenile Graphic Fiction)

Olga is a creative, spunky, and inquisitive girl who loves to observe and draw. One day she meets a strange creature and goes on a scientific, artistic, and hilarious journey to learn everything about her new friend. 

I read this with one of my nieces, and it was a blast to read aloud. While I read the “book text” as we called it, she tackled the comic text, which included funny sounds, dialogue, and Olga’s many comical observations. I was concerned this book wouldn’t make a great read-aloud, but I was wrong! Now it’s at the top of my Read-Aloud list. Olga’s new friend/pet, Meh makes a lot of funny noises. Burps sound like Meh is saying, “rubber.” The mysterious “DOWDOWD DOW” sounds are due to hunger. Even Meh’s name is a sound - the sound Meh makes the most. Olga doesn’t initially understand Meh’s language, but she spends a lot of time decoding Meh’s sounds. Olga also needs to learn what kind of animal Meh is and what Meh likes to eat. 

There is a treasure trove of bathroom humor, but it’s balanced nicely with a focus on the scientific method, plenty of big words to discuss (like the delicious word, “delicacies” for example), and a smattering of French. There is even a brief (too brief in my opinion) appearance of Rita, a spider who lives in Olga’s bathroom and speaks French. If I haven’t convinced you to read this yet, I will add one more enticing detail. There’s a delightful librarian, Ms. Swoop who helps Olga!! 

P.S. The Olga series a great step-up for fans of the Zoey and Sassafras series who are looking for something similar. Both involve magical creatures and focus on the scientific method to find answers to their character’s questions.