Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder
#1 of 5 in Doktor Proktor Series
What’s inside...
Bestselling Norwegian mystery author Jo Nesbø enters the world of children’s books with Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder, the first book in this very funny middle-grade series. Filled with magic, wit, and bathroom humor, Doctor Proctor will keep boys and girls laughing until the end. Eleven-year-old Nilly is new to the neighborhood, but he is quick to make friends: Doctor Proctor, an eccentric professor who invents wacky potions and powders; and brainy Lisa, who is always teased by the twin terrors Truls and Trym. All is good farty fun when Nilly and Lisa help Doctor Proctor develop his latest invention, a powder that makes you fart. The powder makes Nilly and Lisa VERY popular at school when they sell it for 50 cents a bag. (And they get revenge on Truls and Trym by giving them an extra-strength dose of fart powder that shoots them up into a tree!) But when Doctor Proctor creates an industrial-strength version that can send people to outer space, the kids must go to great lengths to protect the invention and keep it out of the hands of their neighbors, who want to use the powder for evil purposes. In the spirit of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket, Doctor Proctor offers a winning combination of humor, adventure, and absurdity that kids (of all ages) will love—proving that Jo Nesbø can keep you on the edge of the seat and make your sides split in equal measure.
Character compass
Nilly
Lisa
Doctor Proctor
Trym
Truls
Discussion points
How do you think Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder could be used to solve problems? Can you think of a creative way to use it?
What do you think about the friendship between Nilly and Lisa? How do they help each other throughout the story?
If you had an invention like Doctor Proctor's, who would you share it with and why?
What lessons did you learn from the adventures in the book? How would you apply these lessons in your own life?
How do the characters in the book show bravery and teamwork? Can you give an example from the book where they worked together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the book’s characters and plot. This promotes critical thinking and comprehension.
Relate the themes of the book, like friendship and creativity, to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Ask your child to imagine their own funny invention, which fosters creativity and engages them further with the theme of the book.
Discuss the ethical implications of the inventions in the book to teach lessons about responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.
Praise your child’s responses to nurture confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions about stories they read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder' work together to solve problems and face challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of collaborating with others, whether in school projects or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: Doctor Proctor, an eccentric inventor, uses his creativity to develop a unique invention, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative activities, experiment with their ideas, and appreciate innovation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters experience the results of their decisions, which teaches children about accountability and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by thinking through their actions and considering potential outcomes in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters face numerous setbacks throughout the book but continue to strive towards their goals, illustrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persist in their endeavors, even when faced with difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Humor as a coping mechanism
Explanation: The book uses humor to deal with various situations, highlighting how laughter can ease tensions and bring people together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use humor positively to navigate challenges and build social connections.