I adore this book for three reasons: (1) It is beautifully illustrated (2) Walter reminds me of my dog (3) Farts are hilarious!
Many may consider fart books puerile; however, there is more to this book than simple canine flatulence. Walter teaches us the value of tolerance and unconditional love. Yes, the same point could be proven by giving Walter three legs or really bad breath. But it wouldn’t be nearly as amusing as farts, now, would it?
Cute kids bring home a stray mutt (Walter) and beg their parents to let them keep him. In an amusing series of events, it soon becomes apparent that Walter has a serious problem with gas.
The parents become increasingly intolerant of Walter’s excessive farting and threaten to give him away:
He has to go back to the pound,” said Father. “No, Daddy, please,” begged Betty and Billy. “Don’t send Walter away.” “He goes tomorrow,” said Father. They pleaded. Walter farted.
At the eleventh hour, however, Walter’s problem becomes an asset when his odoriferous farts deter burglars from robbing the family’s home. The parents relent and allow their children to keep Walter:
He saved the silverware!” cried Mother. “He saved the VCR!” cried Father. “Good dog, Walter! You’re our dog, even if you do fart all the time.”
This scenario is repeated in Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale and Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise. Yes, the Walter’s-farts-save-the-day theme is redundant, but I always enjoy poring over Audrey Colman’s colorful, vibrantly detailed illustrations of the family and their environs (even Walter’s farts are brightly hued). I never tire of the theme of family togetherness pervading the stories and pictures. Walter is not perfect, but neither is the family; as long as they love each other, it doesn’t matter.
Now the fun part: Farts. Anyone who owns a dog will immediately recognize the sad, sheepish look on Walter’s face that says, Yes, I just farted and I love you. Colman captures the expression perfectly. Walter’s stoic acceptance of his fate makes the situation even funnier, and his comic timing is impeccable. Walter himself, with his sweet disposition, lugubrious expression and gas-distended belly, will indeed fart his way right into your heart.
Blogging for a Good Book 
I’m so glad you blogged this. Walter is fantastic. This is the type of book that almost makes me want to have kids, just so we could giggle together over the farting dog. (Anyone who doesn’t recognize that farts are funny is suffering from stunted psychological development. It’s sad, really.)
love it