Who says being a "prankster" has to land you in the principal's office?
I recently sat down with my daughter to read The Power of Positive Pranking by Australian author Nat Amoore (shout out to Rebecca Sparrow’s Rebel Readers Book Club for the recommendation!). Whether you’re a parent looking for a way to talk about the planet without the "doom and gloom," or a kid who thinks adults are moving way too slowly, this book is for you.
The story follows three best friends (tweens) who decide that if the grown-ups won't take action on the environment, they’ll just have to make them. How? Through positive pranking. We’re talking clever, funny, and bold moves that get people's attention for all the right reasons.
The book follows the 8 rules of the Green Peas Manifesto:
- The first rule of green peas is SHHHHH!
- It’s not about the glory, it’s about the message
- Pranks must always be for the greater good
- Stay off the grid
- Take every opportunity to make a difference
- Be clever. A clever prank is a good prank.
- Go for maximum exposure and maximum effect
- When something is wrong, take action.
It's a book full of good giggles, and some really valuable messages. One of our favorite lines was one used by Australia’s first PM, Sir Edmund Barton:
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
The climate topic is not covered in any great detail, so it won't trigger climate anxiety, but it creates an opportunity to discuss climate together. I'd highly recommend reading it with your kids, or even just yourself. I found it really uplifting and inspiring to be more proactive in climate action.
The overall verdict:
Whether you read it together or pass it back and forth, this is a great book for any family that wants to change the world, one prank at a time.
Book suggestion from a Dad in our Brisbane network.