Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder

Gr 3–7—Nilly may be short in stature, but he looms large when it comes to confidence. When he moves in next door to Lisa, who just lost her best friend, the twosome become curious about an older gentleman living nearby. Soon they befriend Doctor Proctor who spends his time trying to come up with a blockbuster invention that will enable him to win the heart of his lost love in Paris. When the doctor shows Nilly and Lisa his fart powder, they realize the potential for sales to other kids. Two troll brothers, however, have other ideas as does their evil and greedy father. Soon there's a bungled burglary, then Nilly and the professor are locked in an escape-proof prison cell, and there's a giant anaconda in the Oslo sewers. Nesb's blend of hyperbole and predictability will grab kids, thanks to a superbly timed and nuanced narration by William Dufris.