The Swank Prank

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

Hank and Frank, the identical Swank twins, are so much alike (even to
having identical fingerprints!!??) that no one, not even their parents,
can tell them apart. The Swank Prank consists of several anecdotes about
the Swank twins, illustrating the advantages (mostly, according to the
author) and disadvantages (a few) of this phenomenon.

Written in short chapters with lively black-and-white illustrations,
this brief novel would appeal to seven- to nine-year-olds because of its
theme, for what youngster has not fantasized about what it would be like
to be a twin and be able to trade places with a brother or sister?
Children of that age would also enjoy the slightly risqué
“bathroom” humor of the first chapter.

Unfortunately, some of the language and expressions used would be
unfamiliar to primary students (e.g., silver screen, individuality,
mum’s the word, Bob’s your uncle). I would suspect, too, that some
teachers, librarians, and parents would object to some of the values (or
lack of thereof) portrayed in the story.

Chapter books for beginning readers are always in demand. Therefore, I
would recommend this book with reservations.