THE POSITIVE POWER OF PRANKING BY NAT AMOORE

We’re back at Watterson Primary and this time we follow the antics of the Green Peas. Casey, Zeke and Cookie are pranksters and they’re very good at it. The Green Peas want to bring to the attention of all people, especially adults, the state of the environment, but nobody seems to be listening. Casey lives with her grandfather (an inveterate prankster) and father, both of whom are deaf. Her mother died when Casey was just a baby but she left her with a box full of thoughts on everything she could think of. Casey gets her environmental warrior tendencies from things she has read from the cards her mother left behind.

After a memorable prank during morning assembly, the Green Peas stumble across a serious corruption breach by the Mayor of Watterson and are determined to expose her. What follows is a boisterous adventure into the world of spying and outwitting powerful and corrupt adults.

Casey, Zeke and Cookie use their individual skills to orchestrate the Mayor’s downfall. Zeke is a computer ninja and Cookie a fantastic artist. With Casey’s amazing ability to plan, they gather the information they need to expose the corruption in the local council that threatens the quiet peace of their township. During a promotional local fair put on by the Mayor, the Green Peas make their move. The pranks that follow are brilliant and managed by the help of all the kids from Watterson Primary. Together they stand and make a voice that cannot be ignored.

Nat Amoore has interspaced this great follow-on from Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire with words of wisdom from Casey’s mum and thoughts on friendship and the environment. Casey may not necessarily know exactly who she wants to be, and whether her mum would be proud of her, but she does know that this is where she belongs.

This is a great story full of humour but presented in such a way that it touches on serious and sometimes complex issues. It is a great tool to start conversations around the dinner table – as well as a lot of fun.

For Ages: 8+ years

Number of Pages: 288 pages

Published: 4 June 2020

Themes: Friendship, life lessons and the environment.

Rating: 4/5