Mark and his buddies have a reputation in their Australian school. Mark's mum calls them "the Coconuts." They're always into something and always ready for a good time.

Considering "the Coconuts'" wild reputation, no one is really sure why the new kid in school, Jonah, attaches himself to the group. His family has moved to the city from a farm, and Jonah doesn't fit in with the other kids. He's kind of quiet; he doesn't have much to say for himself. And he always has a blank look on his face. The Coconuts don't know what to make of Jonah, but they accept him as a buddy.

Gradually, though, the Coconuts learn that behind all the quietness, Jonah has a terrific sense of humor. Sometimes, his sense of humor is so outrageous --- and yet he looks so innocent --- that the principal gets mad at him but can't do anything to him. Jonah cracks up the whole school --- even the teachers have to try hard not to laugh.

However, like Jonah in the Bible, trouble and bad luck seems to follow this Jonah everywhere. The worst teacher in the whole school, Mr. Cromwell, singles out Jonah to pick on. And the Coconuts have to help him because Jonah won't do anything to help himself. There's definitely more than meets the eye with Jonah, and the Coconuts want to find out what it is.

This book is full of wallabies, wombats, mud pits, lots of Australian slang, blood-sucking leeches, caves, giant pumpkins called Meatloaf, and some pretty crazy characters. You'll enjoy all the photographs, illustrations, hijinks, and fun. But most of all, you will want to know what happens when Jonah and Mr. Cromwell go head-to-head!

   --- Reviewed by Tamara Penny