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Carl just doesn't get it - he's always in Mum's bad books. If only she could see the funny side to the practical jokes he and Dad play on one another. From eggs to toilet seats, nothing's sacred when they're dreaming up pranks.
But Carl's world is turned upside down when his father introduces him to an ex-NASA scientist - one who unknowingly gives Carl a secret gift. What has Carl been given that could possibly be so valuable? And where have the two strangers taken Dad in the black van? Is he safe? Carl will need to be incredibly inventive to unravel this mystery!
Product reviews...
Yes, I am a *bit* older than the recommended age bracket, but I still enjoy reading some 'light' fiction during short patches of quiet time and this is one I really enjoyed.
A plot that at first seems quite simple, yet contains elements of danger and risk that any young boy will enjoy, with more than a few switchbacks and twists, plus some great ideas for practical jokes (but if I ever find my toilet seat glued down, I swear this book will be the first to suffer my wrath!).
The characters are easy to understand, having some depth but not so much as to confuse the young mind and take them away from the story itself.
Personally i really liked the whole book, and I plan to get my young nephew's take on it shortly as he is getting to the age where this level of reading is more recreational than a chore. All in all, a great book for young boys, even if it is heavily Americanised.
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