WINCHELL CUTS THE CHEESE

If flatulence floats your boat, this duo's debut picture book is a one-note punch line filled with lots of (smelly) hot air. The tale follows Winchell, a pig with a boisterous gastrointestinal system, through an entire day. He passes gas morning, noon and night—much to the chagrin of his barn mates who make comments such as "Jeez... Who cut the cheese!?" or "Jimminy Jasper... Who's the Master Blaster?" while Winchell denies he's the perpetrator. Finally, late that evening, the porker owns up to his smell and excuses himself "like a nice little pig should." In this uneasy mix of toilet humor and etiquette guide, Winchell seems to be doing what comes naturally. Unfortunately his supposed change of heart is sudden and unconvincing—a stretch for teaching children to excuse themselves if they "crank that silent but deadly" (as Mutt puts it). The computer-generated art has a playful, naïve quality; Winchell wears tight white briefs and his "hooves" appear to be black gloves at the end of pink, rubbery arms. Green puffy clouds of noxious gas waft through the pages. Perhaps a fun companion for fans of Walter the Farting Dog , but this is a generally lightweight effort. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)