Rating: 
Summary: I laughed; I cried, it became a part of me.
Review: While Kotzwinkle's work has a surface fixation on Walter the Dog's intestinal irregularities, it does have a finer point about the care of animals who might otherwise be abandoned as unwanted. Personally, I can think of fewer things sadder or more depressing than sending a companion animal to the pound. Conversely, the rescue of an adult dog or cat from that fate almost always presents a heartwarming story. Here, the conflicts among the family members in Walter's household over whether he stays with his gaseous releases, or must go back for likely destruction, presents an extremely difficult moral choice and one to which young readers should become sensitive in the midst of the "fart humour." In something of a deus ex machina, Walter's gas frustrates some burglars, thus saving his home (and, presumably, his life). Nonetheless, few domestic animals get the opportunity to save family property through their expulsive functions.The other compelling message in Walter the Farting Dog is one of tolerance and diversity (specifically that even farters should have a place and can make an important contribution, if only their companions will be patient). Notably, Walter does try to control his gaseous emissions in view of the family's intolerance, but this is a difficult and ultimately losing fight. Although the authors never directly touch on the issue, a parent or other adult sharing this text with a child might well use Walter to explain the corollary point of the need for neutering house pets and point out that not every unwanted animal has the good fortune to defeat a pair of burglars by farting at them, because sad things do happen to unwanted, but lovable animals. I purchased a copy of Walter for my niece and nephew in hopes that these lessons would get across, but the issue of farting, unfortunately, became too much of a distractor, favorably for the children, and irritatingly so for their parents who, sad to say, criticized me over the body function humor. Still, I believe that this is a thoughtful work, even though somewhat frivolous on the surface, and it is one that will enrich the experience of the perceptive and reflective child. I recommend it heartily, as does my secretary who has already sought to borrow my copy for her grandchildren.
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Summary: Buy This Unique Book!
Review: Fun story, wonderful and truly original,colorful art,this book is unlike any I've seen. It will surely become a collector's item.I'm sorry that the reader from Greenlawn,NY did not appreciate the fabulously whimsical art in this book, but then innovation of any kind often generates this initial reaction from conventional segments of our society.
Rating: 
Summary: Crude, Rude & It's Been Done Better
Review: What is going on with the world? Yes, kids will get a huge kick out of "Walter the Farting Dog," because they think flatulence is hysterically funny. But the illustrations in this book are ugly, the subject matter is dubious--and the story itself reminded me of a genuinely cute and clever book published several years ago. "Dog Breath" by Dav Pilkey is the story of a dog whose breath knocks everyone out, but he becomes a hero when his "hairy-tosis" knocks out a couple of burglars the day before he was to be given away. "Walter the Farting Dog" also becomes a hero when he--ahem--gasses out a pair of burglars.
If you want a cute story about a dog with an embarrassing medical condition, "Dog Breath" is far more appealing.
Rating:
Summary: Uproariously Funny!
Review: Walter is a dog with a problem, and a rather noticable one at that. Put it frankly, he farts A lot. It seems nothing will keep Walter smelling sweet, or at least keep him from smelling bad, but Water manages to do things his own way and come through smelling like a proverbial rose, though not, unfortunately, an actual rose. ;) i was almost put off on this book by the title and storyline, though once I openend it and started reading, not a single perosn in hte bookstore I work at could avoid hearing my loud cackles. This book is as funny as it is subtle, and neon sledgehammers would be more likely to sneak up on someone), but that's it's charm. It is sweet, and funny, and more than entertaining. The styles of both the writing and the artwork in this book complement each other wonderfully and you'll find yourself laughing untill your sides ache and you've got tears running down your face. At least I did. :)
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Summary: This book is based on CRIME and FARTS...
Review: I thought this book was totally INAPPROPRIATE for the age 4-8 target (or at least the lower end of the target). The book is based on a CRIME -- Walter scares off burgulars in the house (at night when the family is sleeping) by making a huge fart. My 4yo is now worried about "mean guys" (they look really evil in the illustration!) breaking into our house at night. I also think the book's premise (farting, farting, farting) is low class. No need to encourage the farting talk. I can see it now, I'm in for 3 months of farting talk now that my 4yo read this book. The illustrations are also UGLY...the faces are scary looking and are magazine cutouts. Not cute at all. Not what my 4yo needs to see (the MTV look). In summary, this book 1) worried my 4yo about CRIME that he previously knew nothing about and 2) the topic is just low class and stupid, and 3) this is NOT literature at all.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: I know a gassy little girl who loves this book. She and I just read it in the book store and she was bawling with laughter. She farts a great deal, so she really identified with the character. Even though I didn't buy the book, she can't stop mentioning Walter, so I guess I'm going to have to purchase it for her! It had a wonderful moral, fascinating and fun illustrations, and was hilarious. I was raised with discomfort about farting, and I find that I don't feel as well-off as those kids who just farted and said "Pardon" without a blush (nor were those kids ever teased by other children as long as the gassy individual fessed up with a note of pride.) I think anybody who objects to the farting theme is being far too uptight. Maybe they just need to pass some wind.
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Summary: Laughed until I cried
Review: The title caught my eye at the book store and when I started to read this book I laughed until I cried! I kept snorting with laughter right there in the store. Walter is an average dog with an unfortunate problem.....gas. This book is sure to delight all who read it. The adults(?) I work with also got a kick out of the illustrations(we played Find the Spider). It also has such a sweet message...we all have a place in this world, a talent all our own. A wonderful book that is sure to delight all readers.
Rating:
Summary: Funny!
Review: I have not read the book, but I did purchase it for my niece and have been told that it is her favorite book.
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Summary: The Best Book I Bought for my Brother
Review: Last Christmas, I went to find my little brother a present. He is five yrs old and loves books. I am away at college and wanted to get him something that we could read and have fun with together. After searching for a while, I came across Walter the Farting Dog. I remember when I was a kid and how funny farting was- I knew my brother would love it. When he opened it and I read it to him, he couldn't stop laughing and made me read it over and over again. Still, to this day, he asks me to read it to him when I come home and he even brings it when he comes to visit me at school! Every page even has a spider hidden in the picture- which was fun to find. This book will make any kid laugh, and it will bring any parent, or big sister, back to their childhood!
Rating: 
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I read and plan on purchasing this book even though I currently don't have kids and think it's a good read. Several reviews have rated the book rather low, citing reason such as the father's desire to return Walter to the pound and the inclusion of crime in the book.
People, let's be real.
If there aren't clear examples of what wrong behavior is, i.e. the father wanting to return Walter to the pound because of his gas, how are we supposed to show and explain to children what right and wrong is? You cannot simply teach the difference between what is right and what is wrong by showing what is right all the time. If you read this book with your kids and don't talk about how sending Walter back to the pound would be wrong that's your bad, not the book's.
As for the crime, have you read any original fairy tales lately? Kids getting shoved in ovens, abducted by evil stepmothers, eating poisoned apples? The list goes on, I'm sure. Again, if you don't address this issue with your kids when you read the book that's your bad, not the book's.
It's a cute book, great message, funky original drawings and something I plan to purchase, probably even buy a copy for my sister!
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