Death by Whoopee Cushion
Death by Whoopee Cushion by Vicki Grant is a middle-grade mystery published by Penguin Group on July 29, 2025. This 256-page book follows twelve-year-old Manya, an aspiring scientist who is more intrigued by the science behind pranks than the pranks themselves. When a series of unfortunate events at her parents’ joke shop leads to a police investigation, Manya finds herself in a race against time to clear her parents’ names after a whoopee cushion turns deadly.
Readers will discover Manya’s journey as she navigates the complexities of family life and the challenges of growing up, all while delving into the world of humor and mystery. The story intertwines elements of science with the lightheartedness of pranks, showcasing Manya’s determination to uncover the truth. With themes of friendship and the importance of understanding the world around her, this book offers an engaging exploration of how curiosity can lead to unexpected adventures.
Official synopsis Publisher
A whoopee cushion turns deadly in this new middle-grade mystery from acclaimed author Vicki Grant.
The best Halloween costumes. The funniest pranks. An endless supply of chocolate fudge that looks exactly like dog poo. Most kids would love it if their parents owned a joke shop.
But twelve-year-old Manya isn’t like most kids. She’s an aspiring scientist. The cheap laughs at Pranks-A-Million don’t interest her – but the science behind the pranks does. After all, even edible snot and stink bombs rely on chemical reactions.
Manya and her best friend, Isaac, are thrilled when their parents agree to sign them up for Serious Science. The after-school class is everything they’ve ever dreamed of: the science is fascinating, their teacher is supersmart, and none of the experiments he gives them is designed to stink, explode, or embarrass anyone.
Things are looking up until one day Manya comes back from Serious Science to find two police officers in the store. A trick cigar bought at Pranks-A-Million burned off a customer’s eyebrows. Later, one of their Toe Jam Donuts makes someone sick. Just a couple of pranks gone wrong? Maybe. But when a whoopee cushion kills an innocent person, the joke is over. The cops swoop in and arrest Manya’s parents for murder.
It’s up to Manya now to prove their innocence. Suddenly, the science behind all those embarrassing pranks becomes very important indeed.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Death by Whoopee Cushion” about?
Who is the author of “Death by Whoopee Cushion”?
When was “Death by Whoopee Cushion” published?
What is the ISBN for “Death by Whoopee Cushion”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
