Sun, surf, and sand. That’s what Edward Poppenhagen is looking forward to, now that the school holidays have arrived. The last thing he was expecting is his mum grounding him until he finishes his homework from the last term. Two book reports need to be done to gain his school holiday freedom. His teacher calls these book reflections. Eddy thought his photo of a book reflected in their small pond was rather clever actually. BUT… he has to start again!

While he’s looking for books to read, he finds a book for parents on how to raise a Tween. No way! Parent’s think they have it hard. Try having parents who nag you about your room, ask you over and over and over and over to do your chores, then give you more when you finally do them! Eddy decides enough is enough and kids all over the world need a book on how to train your parents.

As the holiday days tick by, Eddy pours himself into his new book, as well as completing the offending book reports. Again he thinks he’s clever recording them as a video to send to his teacher when completed. No time consuming writing that way.

In the meantime, Eddy’s 13th birthday is fast approaching, Grandma comes to stay, and the ‘perfect’ kid next door is invading his life a little too much for comfort. The holiday freedom is getting closer, but his birthday is looking to be an embarrassment! This all gives Eddy more tips and tricks for kids in his book on training parents. His little brother is trainable too, but when Eddy skives another job to do, and gives it to his brother, there are terrible consequences.

Set out in a fun, clear format with tons of illustrations, bold fonts and exclamations throughout the text, I really enjoyed Eddy’s story. This will resonate with so many tweens and early teens who can’t figure out why their parents have suddenly become so unreasonable! I laughed out loud at Eddy’s dog’s antics and loved the pics. Funny!

Author – Dee White

Age – 7+

(Homework, Book reports, Schoolwork, Humour, Funny, School Holidays, Writing, Funny pictures, Pet, Chores, Jobs, Summer Holidays, Birthday party, Turning thirteen)