Step into the zany world of Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder, where a quirky professor and his pint-sized pals launch into fart-fueled adventures that’ll leave kids giggling and parents chuckling! Written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø, this whimsical children’s series blends slapstick humor, heartwarming friendships, and a dash of Norwegian charm, making it a delightful read for ages 8 and up.
Unlike Nesbø’s gritty crime novels, this six-book series, published between 2007 and 2013, swaps dark mysteries for lighthearted chaos. Follow Doctor Proctor, a madcap inventor, and his young neighbors, Nilly and Lisa, as they concoct powders that blast people into space and bathtubs that zip through time. It’s Roald Dahl meets Lemony Snicket, with a uniquely Nordic twist!
How Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder Began
Jo Nesbø, Norway’s king of crime fiction, surprised fans when he ventured into children’s literature with Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder in 2007. Known for his Harry Hole thrillers, Nesbø drew inspiration from his own childhood and a desire to craft stories for his kids. The result? A hilarious series set in Oslo, Norway, where everyday life turns extraordinary thanks to a professor’s wacky inventions. Translated into over 35 languages, the books captured global hearts with their playful absurdity and clever storytelling.
Nesbø’s shift to children’s books wasn’t just a whim—he wanted to spark creativity in young readers. Paired with Mike Lowery’s quirky illustrations, the series’ tongue-in-cheek humor and pun-filled prose (think Rotten Ham soccer teams) made it a hit, earning a nomination for Ark’s Children’s Book Award in 2007.
The Heart of Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder
The series kicks off with Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder, where Nilly, a fearless redhead, and brainy Lisa team up with Doctor Proctor to perfect a fart powder that sends users soaring—literally! Their mission to protect the invention from greedy twins Truls and Trym sparks a wild ride involving an anaconda, jailbreaks, and a fart-powered Independence Day salute. In Bubble in the Bathtub, the trio hops into a time-traveling bathtub to reunite Doctor Proctor with his lost love, Juliette Margarine, dodging historical mishaps along the way.
Who Cut the Cheese? (also titled The End of the World. Maybe) sees Nilly, Lisa, and Proctor battling a hypnotic TV show threatening Norway, with help from a seven-legged spider named Perry. The Magical Fruit pits them against a Russian billionaire who melts Norway’s gold into a soccer trophy, blending soccer showdowns with fart-powered heroics. Themes of friendship, creativity, and embracing individuality shine through, wrapped in Oslo’s cozy yet absurd setting. Nesbø’s matter-of-fact style balances outrageous scenarios with heartfelt moments, making every page a laugh-out-loud adventure.
The series’ Norwegian flair—think fjord-filled backdrops and May 17th celebrations—adds cultural richness, while its universal themes resonate with kids worldwide. Whether outsmarting bullies or saving Christmas, Nilly and Lisa’s courage and Proctor’s eccentricity inspire readers to think outside the box.
Why Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder Resonates
Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder stands out for its unapologetic silliness and clever life lessons. Kids love the bathroom humor (odorless farts, anyone?), while parents appreciate the series’ nod to imagination and teamwork. Its global success, including a 2014 Norwegian film adaptation, proves its cross-cultural appeal. Fans on Goodreads praise its Dahl-esque charm, with one 9-year-old’s spaghetti-stained copy testifying to its rereadability.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to make kids laugh while subtly teaching them to embrace their quirks. By celebrating the weird and wonderful, Nesbø has crafted a timeless gem that continues to delight new generations of readers.
- Publication Years: 2007–2013
- Number of Books: 6
- Awards: Shortlisted for Ark’s Children’s Book Award (2007)
- Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Grab Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder and blast off into a world of giggles, gadgets, and good-hearted chaos!