Stink-o-saurus Saves Christmas product reviews

Working in a children's bookshop, I saw this when it came in store and it has sold really well since. Given that my eldest, the dinosaur mad member of the family, was not the age this was aimed at but all three kids still find jokes about flatulence very amusing, hence their insistence that we buy their Granddad a copy of this for his birthday recently. The kids browsed through our copy when it arrived but weren't to fused about it until I put on the CD for them to listen to whilst flipping through the book and have listened to it a couple more times since.

Whilst I did chuckle at a few moments, it wasn't something that I found funny more than once, the kids all enjoyed it but none of them roared their heads off in laughter. My youngest two both said that the CD needed more clear fart sounds, this would have made it much more funnier to them. They enjoyed the illustrations, there's always plenty to look at and spot throughout the pages. My kids would have liked a slightly longer story with just a couple more pages to extend the story. I don't think this was enough of a hit for the kids to be interested in it for too much longer, however I can see the appeal for many.

It's that time of year again! Christmas is nearly upon us, and so my children's thoughts have turned to the arrival of Santa. But what would happen if Santa got stuck, who would come to save the day? Never fear, Stan the Stink-o-saurus is back, but can he help Santa to deliver the presents in time?

When it comes to books, dinosaurs are always a hit with kids. When you combine that with toilet humour, you have a sure-fire crowd-pleaser on your hands. Stan the Stink-o-saurus is such a lovable hero character in the story, and so very easy to fall in love with. When Santa does not arrive overnight to deliver the presents, Stan gets worried, and so goes to find Santa himself. Discovering Santa's deer-adactyls all have flu, Stan hatches a clever (but stinky) plan to get Santa out to deliver the presents, and save Christmas for everyone.

Combining some obvious toilet humour with subtle messaging around being helpful, kind and thinking about others, the authors have created a story which will appeal to young and old alike. Even those who aren't really into books are likely to love this story as, after all, who doesn't like to have a laugh about farting, especially over Christmas. The clever illustrations in the book only serve to enhance the story even further. I found that my daughters really engaged with the story through the pictures, and we all had a good laugh at Stan's rather unique solution to Santa's transport woes.

There is also a CD provided with the book, containing a sung version of the book. This Christmas-themed ditty complete with bells (compulsory, of course) is yet another way of getting even the most reluctant readers to engage, and will have the kids entertained for hours- even if it does get stuck in your head!

If you are looking for a perfect kids Christmas present this year, you cannot go wrong with this book. Engaging, funny and delightfully written, but still spreading important (albeit smelly) Christmas messages, no-one can fail to be enchanted. Snuggle down on the sofa and get a peg ready for your nose- Stink-o-saurus saves Christmas is sure to become a family favourite!