Pranks and pranksters are a much-loved part of children’s literature, delighting young readers with their chaotic charm, clever (and no so clever) pranks and their playful defiance. From the antics of classic characters such as Tom Sawyer and Pippi Longstocking to the modern mischief of Horrid Henry and Greg Heffley (Wimpy Kid), these characters tap into a universal truth of childhood that makes excellent fun reading: the irresistible urge to bend the rules, stir up trouble (lightly) and laugh at the consequences. Whether they’re outwitting grown-ups, tormenting their siblings or simply trying to liven up a boring afternoon, pranksters throughout literature offer a safe space for children to explore themes of rebellion, creativity and the art of getting away with it – sometimes! And then there is Jesper Jinx – the world’s unluckiest prankster, back for another outing in Jesper Jinx and the Sneezing Season.
Jesper Jinx is back, still as unlucky, mischievous and hilariously chaotic as ever, in Jesper Jinx and the Sneezing Season, the second instalment in Marko Kitti’s delightfully quirky children’s series. This second outing continues the misadventures of 11-year-old Jesper, a boy whose vivid imagination and boredom-fuelled pranking habit seem to attract trouble like a magnet. Whether you’re already hooked on Jesper Jinx and his antics or visiting Puffington Hill for the first time, this book delivers a fresh dose of laughter, calamity and conspiratorial charm that’s perfect for readers aged 8 and up.
For those young page turners that might be unfamiliar with the world of Jesper Jinx, here’s a quick recap. Jesper is just eleven years old and lives in the fictional seaside town of Puffington Hill on the south coast of England with his mum, dad, older sister Melinda and their cat Snowy. He’s a whirlwind of energy who loves to play pranks (especially on his sister). Along with his best friend Oliver, he is constantly dreaming up new ways to entertain himself, at the expense of his family, pets and unsuspecting townsfolk. Unfortunately for Jesper, his pranks rarely go according to plan. In fact, they almost always backfire spectacularly, landing him in one hilarious predicament after another.
In Jesper Jinx and the Sneezing Season, Jesper’s troubles begin with something extremely harmless: sneezing! Sneezing isn’t a problem for the majority of us, but when Jesper decides to ignore his allergy pills, chaos ultimately ensues. The aptly named Sneezing Season sets the tone for a series of laugh-out-loud stories that include sandwich-stealing seagulls, a purple buzzard, a squirrel with a grudge (and a £50 price tag), diary wars with Melinda and two haircuts that redefine the word “extreme.” Each tale is packed with comic mishaps and clever twists, showcasing Jesper’s knack for turning everyday situations into unforgettable disasters.
Overall, this second volume in the Jesper Jinx series is a worthy continuation of Jesper’s fun escapades (well fun for us readers, probably not so much for Jesper) and a must-read for fans of humorous children’s fiction. Whether you’re giggling over diary sabotage or cringing at a botched haircut, Jesper’s antics are guaranteed to entertain. Just don’t forget to sign the Secrecy Agreement at the start of the book (you can’t read it without signing) and whatever you do, don’t let Jesper find out you’re reading about him! It’s a riotous romp that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Jesper’s wonderfully unlucky life.
At around 150 pages, Jesper Jinx and the Sneezing Season is a quick snappy read. It’s packed with energy, humour and heart. The stories are short, hilarious and expertly crafted, written in a conspiratorial tone, making them ideal for anyone looking for a light-hearted escape and I think they would be perfect for reluctant readers. Marko Kitti’s writing is accessible and engaging, with just the right balance of silliness and sincerity. Young readers will easily relate to Jesper’s frustrations, triumphs and his epic fails, while adults will appreciate the clever storytelling and nostalgic nods to childhood mischief.
The stories themselves are short and lots of fun, but one of the most charming aspects of the book, and the series as a whole, is its unique narrative style. Author Marko Kitti writes as though he’s speaking directly to the reader, inviting them into a secret world where Jesper must never find out these stories exist. The Secrecy Agreement, which can be found in every book in the series, adds a playful layer of intrigue to the books. By signing the agreement, it encourages readers to become co-conspirators in Jesper’s mishaps while keeping Jesper himself blissfully unaware of what is being written about him. I think that this is a brilliant way to allow young page turners to engage with Jesper and his tales in a fun and unique way while adding a sense of mischievous fun to the reading experience.
Packed with plenty of humour and heart, beneath these endearing tales lie themes of friendship, frustration and the search for identity are exposed. Pranksters are rarely villains; they’re misunderstood heroes, using mischief as a form of self-expression or a way to cope with the world around them. Jesper’s escapades invites readers to laugh, empathise and reflect, while secretly wondering what prank they might pull next.
Jesper Jinx and the Sneezing Season is a superb fun collection of fun tales and backfiring pranks that young readers will love! Jesper, the world’s unluckiest prankster, doesn’t just cause trouble, he practically attracts it. His misadventures are a masterclass in comic timing and unintended consequences, making him a loveable figure in the world of literary mischief-makers. With this second volume, the joyful chaos of childhood pranks is celebrated with stories that are as clever as they are laugh-out-loud funny.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £5.99 (paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle Edition)
For more information, visit jesperjinx.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
