The Pocket Guide to Mischief [Paperback]

Bart King (Author), Brenda Brown (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Activity books and kits can get kids off the couch and ready to physically participate in creating artwork, science toys, edible delectables and, in one case, healthy doses of mischief.

"Mischief, thou art afoot," said Will Shakespeare. Teacher/author King hopes to bring back the joy of pure mischief with this portable little gem - great fun for readers ages 8 and up. With mostly "harmless trickery," King smartly starts his book by saying that mischief shall not ever involve hazing, harassing or hurting, and helps readers define what pranks are mean, and what are plain fun. He describes fascinating mischief from all over the world, with lots involving sporting teams and world leaders. Mostly a super interesting historical read about tricksters throughout history, King does offer tips for "quick mischief," such as peeling labels off canned goods or stitching rubber insects on someone's clothing. A fabulous take-along read to while away time in doctor's offices or during travel, "The Pocket Guide to Mischief" is fun indeed, and not only for kids. -- Copley News Service, March 21, 2008

Just in time for April Fools' Day comes the innocent-looking Pocket Guide to Mischief (Gibbs Smith, $9.95).

Written by Bart King, it covers everything you need to know to pull the perfect prank (and even includes thoughts on how to beg forgiveness afterward). There's information on classic practical jokes, mischief quizzes and tips on how to conduct a mischief duel.

Some of our fave suggestions in the "Quick Mischief" category include: Stitch closed someone's shirt sleeve or pant leg. Spread Icy Hot or honey on the toilet seat. Replace Oreo cookie filling with Crisco or mint toothpaste. Oh, and before you prank, you might want to read the chapter on "How to Avoid Getting Tricked Yourself." -- South Florida Sun Sentinel, March 16, 2008

Sized for handy stashing in the inside pocket of a jacket, this primer for merry-prankster wannabes starts out with the obligatory request that readers play safe, and not damage property nor hurt anyone, neither psychically nor physically. After this, King takes off the brakes. From the smorgasbord of tricks: instead of TP'ing someone's house at night, sprinkle the lawn with instant potato flakes (the dew will puff them up). And a tip: a pencil or pen clamped between the teeth effectively disguises one's voice. From the historical record: forced into a duel, Abraham Lincoln named, as the choice of arms, cow manure. From the sports ledger: the mascots of Ohio's Bryan & Stratton College are the Lemmings. Kids will also go for the Oxford Dictionary insults-e.g., "cockalorum"-recommended as replacements for "cuss words"; the detailed guide to shooting rubber bands; and the many scatological jokes. -- Publisher's Weekly, April 2008

The Pocket Guide to Mischief is a page-turner, plain and simple. Even the dedication, "This book is dedicated to my Nemesis. Think of this as a preview of coming attractions" is a hoot. Mischiefmakers can learn the basics-- from putting a sprinkler under someone's chair at a picnic, to how to handle a rubber chicken with ease. They'll learn to trick their family with a glass of secretly frozen juice, play Russian roulette with some seriously sick icecream cones, and host a rubberband chess duel. But in between all the suggestions for mayhem, there are references to Niccolo Machiavelli and Vlad the Impaler, Ben Jonson and Wlliam Shakespeare. King introduces some pretty hefty vocabulary (in fact he has an entire section on insults inspired by the Oxford English Dictionary) but he does it in a fun way. Kids get a glimpse of familiar historical figures, but from an entirely different angle: King writes about the pranks of former presidents, famous philosophers, and world leaders. For example, Calvin Coolidge liked to ring the front door of the White House and then run and hide when the servants answered it. FDR reportedly made it a regular habit to tell nervous guests, "I murdered my grandmother this morning," in order to put them at ease. From the Red Scare to the space race, this book is a great, if quirky, way to get kids excited about history, elevate their vocabulary, and get them reading. And it's in a package you won't have to shove down their throats. Just don't be surprised if you have to endure the occasional whoopie cushion at dinner time. It's worth it. -- Education.com, March 2008

Product Description

The greatest leaders and geniuses in history were mischief makers. They were the brave women who looked at how unfair the world was and said, "I can do better than that." They were the stalwart men who saw stupidity and asked, "Why do we have to do it that way?" And they were the delightful children who ganged up on the neighborhood bully and hit him with wet noodles until he said, "Uncle!"

Yes, history's mischief makers had the courage to point out that things like slavery, global warming, and turtleneck sweaters are bad. And they also pulled off some of the greatest hoaxes and practical jokes of all time. Their achievements include the Boston Tea Party, the "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast of 1938, and the Cheese Whiz Disaster of 2008. In honor of them, we introduce The Pocket Guide to Mischief, the perfect addition to any prankster's collection, as well as a fun-filled how-to for the budding troublemaker in all of us.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith; 1ST edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423603664
• ISBN-13: 978-1423603665
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #698,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, I started scheming..., February 9, 2008

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Pocket Guide to Mischief (Paperback)

I think that Bart King is my favorite "author you never heard of". His latest book, The Pocket Guide to Mischief, is one of those entertaining tongue-in-cheek reads that you'll love as an adult, and then you'll hope your kid never finds it. If they do, you'll become their "nemesis" for sure...

Contents:
Introduction; Choosing Your Target or Nemesis; Mischief Quiz!; Harmless Trickery 101 - How to Defend Home and Self; Oldies but Goodies; Practical Jokes Inspired by Ancient Rome; Amusing Slights and Friendly Jibes; Spy Games; Mischief of the Rich and Famous; Inspired by the Oxford Dictionary; International Mischief; Mischievous Foods; Sporting Mischief; Duels; Bodily Mischief; Lessons from Stravinsky; Be True to Your School; Careers in Mischief; Acknowledgments; Bibliography

The book starts out with an explanation of "mischief" so that everyone's on the same page when it comes to crossing lines. Then there's the "warning pledge"... "I will be safe. I will not damage or destroy property. I will be sly. I will never hurt anyone with a prank. I will never prank anyone for money. Hail, Cheese Whiz!" I don't know whether I'm pleased or dismayed that this would play well in the crowds I run with. :) Anyway, each chapter is a mix of humor, history, and suggestions on tricks and pranks you can have fun with once you have picked your nemesis. Like perhaps taking a handful of paper from the copy machine or printer, write a humorous note on the bottom of the page (such as "<name> is a genius!"), and then replace them back in the device. Make sure your nemesis is the next person to use the machine... Or see if you can plant one end of a two-way radio somewhere (or even on a pet if you can pull it off), and then "talk" to the people as they walk by. I also learned how to insult in the Scottish tradition, using such great words as bluntie, dandiprat, muppet, and "muffin top". I'm sure my Scottish friends will help expand that vocabulary, too.

Bart's writing reminds me in some ways of Dave Barry... off-beat, a little insane, but a lot of fun if you're willing to go with the flow. I read his Architectural Guide to Portland (where we both live), expecting something less than riveting. What I got was the funniest and most informative architecture book I've ever read (it was the first architecture book I ever read, too... but I digress). My offer to read and review this one came in an email titled "Bad News". He even dropped the copy off at my house with an inscription on the inside cover... "My apologies in advance". With that kind of interaction, how could I refuse?

Much fun to be had here, and depending on the types of friends you keep, plenty of material for "enhancing" that friendship.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A light, entertaining, and easy read, April 3, 2008

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pocket Guide to Mischief (Paperback)

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)

"The Pocket Guide to Mischief" begins by focusing on how to play fun pranks that are not physically or emotionally hurtful to the victim. The reader is then taught how to choose a target or nemesis for their pranks. This target should not be a stranger or a shy or sensitive person because it is important for them to know the pranks are meant in a fun and good-natured way. The author lists five rules for mischief-making which include safety, not causing property damage, and never hurting anyone with a prank. Listing these rules is important because this book will appeal mainly to young males (ages ten to fifteen) as well as some adults who have never grown up and need to be aware of dangerous results that could occur. There is also a short quiz to help determine how much of a mischief maker one is.

King's writing style is humorous and fast-paced. As a former middle-school teacher, he is familiar with what appeals to kids. He includes many interesting, odd facts about a variety of topics. Mischief made by many famous people, including world leaders and members of royalty, is incorporated nicely into this book. There are also a few chapters dedicated to unusual vocabulary words that children will undoubtedly remember. Kids may not realize they are learning while they are reading such a fun book.

Some of the antics Bart King writes about remind me of another Bart-- Bart Simpson. As someone who has spent a lot of time around children, King has definitely had first-hand experience with mischief makers. This adds plausibility to the book because children will believe in, or respect, someone more if they know that person really understands what it is like to be their age and what kinds of things they face on a daily basis.

"The Pocket Guide to Mischief" is a light, entertaining, and easy read. Children will get a kick out of it and will likely learn a few things in the process. Parents should read the book too so they can be sure the child understands the importance of safety when playing pranks.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Running With a Good Idea, June 12, 2008

By	Lakiesha "Lakiesha" (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pocket Guide to Mischief (Paperback)

The premise of this book looked promising enough for a gift purchase. And scanning the book "pre-wrap," I found that author had taken a good idea and really run with it.

Responsible adults will be pleased to know that Bart King goes out of his way to delineate and define between silly, victimless hoaxes (good) and inappropriate pranks (which are definitely not encouraged). But even the "lectures" are presented in such a light-hearted fashion, they are enjoyable.

Astoundingly, there is even an entire chapter dedicated to the history and proper execution of kvetching, complaining, and otherwise expressing displeasure. Outstanding.

Oh, and as for that gift book? I never finished wrapping it. Some things are too good to give away!