Robert and the Practical Jokes

Rubber snakes. Plastic vomit. Shrunken heads. Robert Dorfmans third grade classroom has become the arena for a boys-versus-girls practical jokes competition. As each side tries to outdo the other, the pranks become increasingly gross. But Robert isnt convinced girls are all bad — until the new girl, Lucy, tricks him into eating something really disgusting. Robert is less than thrilled, then, when he learns hell be attending a wedding reception that involves dancing. With a girl. Still, hes determined to learn how to dance. The paper footprints hes taped to the floor as guides work great — until his big brother Charlie decides to play a trick on him. Barbara Seuling understands that seemingly minor incidents can loom large in a childs life, and Roberts struggles with the opposite sex and his game attempts to deal with the pranks are funny and believable. Paul Brewers quirky black-and-white drawings enhance the books comic appeal.