101 HILARIOUS PRANKS AND PRACTICAL JOKES

Fuddy-duddies beware: This guide is for jokesters and comedians looking to pull off the perfect practical joke.

Delivering 101 goofy and giggle-inducing stunts, Julian’s handbook begins on a somber note by including a pledge for readers emphasizing the importance of safety, thoughtfulness, and respect. Warnings out of the way, young people are treated to a panoply of pranks wrapped loosely in a narrative by a certain Dr. Crankshaw of SHMOP, or the School of Hijinks, Malarkey & Outlandish Pranks, from mundane acts like crank calls and toothpaste-filled cookies to more clever ideas like recipes for homemade, edible poop (made from cocoa and peanut butter) and fried brain dust disorder (in which one’s brain pretends to disintegrate after too much homework). In addition to practical joke ideas, the author adds many helpful tips about comedic acting, explaining physical comedy, the importance of exaggerated facial expressions, voice modulation, and how to master the perfect pratfall. The pranks are presented with expressive cartoonlike illustrations, advice on preparation (such as necessary ingredients), and enumerated steps for execution. While not all the suggestions seem feasible, there is enough here to intrigue those looking for some silly, DIY entertainment. The illustrations throughout are notable for their inclusivity.

Gross-out fun for aspiring pranksters.