A class full of lizards by Alison Hart

A sequel to the very funny School rules are optional, sees Jesse bemoaning the first day of the last term at his primary school as the group goes on tours of the local high schools to select where they will do their grade seven.

He and Alex have been friends for ages but Alex seems very cool, not waiting for him to walk to school together, making excuses about where to spend recess and simply not being there. Jesse has some serious problems at home as well: his parents have gone on a health kick. Not only does Dad wear the most inappropriate clothing, he buys an expensive bike to go with it and is often out cycling. Both parents have installed a healthy eating regime and Jesses is saddled with cardboard to eat for lunch.

At school he has a group project to finish for the teacher, Mrs Leeman, and the wannabe well being officer, 'call me Ian', keeps popping up to check they are all well. Jesse's buddy from the year before, finds his company more acceptable than kids his own age, so hangs around at breaks.

Jesse joins an early morning running group because they offer breakfast, he eats at friends' houses for proper food, and tries to swap food at breaks, even offering his healthy food to the semi tame lizard which inhabits the wall where they sit.

The finely detailed observation of school life will cause moments of hilarity and recognition, as the children and staff interact. And it all rolls together for a wonderful conclusion.

A class full of lizards : Grade Six Survival Guide 2, is often hilarious and always good for a giggle. The perfectly observed classroom will have readers laughing out loud recalling similar accidents that classrooms are plagued with.  

A pleasing, funny, character filled story that will draw in readers of all persuasion, A class full of lizards is a wonderful foil to the over the top gungho, adventure filled series that  seem to be swamping the shelves at the moment. 

Themes: Animals, school, Friendship, Family, Diet, Humour.

Fran Knight