Prank Star

To prank or not to prank. That is the question today.

Prank Star is a book that I stumbled onto years ago and that I have used several times. I often pull it out around April Fool's Day to talk to my kids about pranking, which is playing a trick or a practical joke on someone. Tricks and practical jokes can be harmless and fun, or downright mean or dangerous, and it's important to know the difference. My book has a cockroach on the front, not a fly like in the image above.

When I was a kid, we used to visit my grandma in Nebraska every year. Not too far from where she worked was what we called "the souvenir store". One of the best parts of this store was all the tricks that they sold, and we made sure we walked to the store every trip. My favorite item, that I had for many years, was the can of nuts with the jumping snakes. Inside was three beans that rattled in the bottom to make you think there were nuts inside.The unusual looking and sized metal can, with the picture of peanuts on the front, fooled no one. Everyone knew it wasn't a can of nuts, but they weren't sure what it was. In the end curiosity won out and most opened that can. Two cloth covered wire snakes jumped out, startling the unsuspecting victim. A few years ago I found a plastic jellybean jar with the same type of snakes that I bring out during these discussions. Still fun today. I have also seen, but not bought, harmless pranks at the dollar store on many occasions, including fake vomit, doggie doo, whoopee cushions, spilled ink, and flies encased in plastic ice cubes.

This item is a small book. Inside the book are the rules of pranking, instructions for a variety of pranks to pull, a few random stickers, a small book of certificates that you can fill out and reward to the person who has been pranked and a few jokes. Rules of pranking:

1. Never prank a stranger. You should only prank people you know and like.
2. Don't prank unless you're happy to be pranked in return.
3. If someone doesn't appreciate your prank, don't prank them again.
4. Don't make a mess that you can't clean up.
5. Pranking should be fun, not dumb.

 Some of the pranks include:

• Bugs - Put fake bugs around the house. These can be bought at the dollar store and some look quite real, or use the one that comes with the book. Make sure you fess up BEFORE your parents call an exterminator.
• Fake band-aid - Place some glue on the outside, padded part of a band-aid. Place a little ketchup on top of it and let it dry. Put it on when you need to get out of washing the dishes.
• Fake vomit - Put some glue on a piece of plastic wrap. Drop in a few cookie crumbs and maybe some yellow or green food color. Let it dry and then peel it off the plastic wrap. Carry it with you for a quick excuse to get out of, well, most anything.
• Computer calamity - Tape a small piece of paper on the bottom of a computer mouse, covering the ball or the optic sensor.

Some fun ideas that shouldn't get you into too much trouble.

Try this:

• Read about (or even try) a harmless prank in this book to start a discussion on appropriate and inappropriate practical jokes and pranks.
• Stress that not everyone enjoys pranks and that some people are embarrassed when pranked in front of others. Also some people just don't like the unexpected. Know your subject and DO NOT prank someone who would not enjoy it or think it funny. If you're not sure, don't do it.
• Pick up a few examples at the dollar store to show and tell.
• Discuss how they would feel if they were pranked and how they would respond.
• Talk about the many benefits of being able to laugh at yourself.