Jane Peeler has problems. It’s not easy being 12 and discovering that your very best friend is more interested in boys than in being your best friend. Jane’s also directing a version of The Nutcracker for the school concert and is forced to battle Coach Gebohm, who doesn’t want her using the gym for rehearsals. Life at home isn’t any less complex – her dad has pneumonia, her mom can’t hold down her important job and look after Jane and her brothers, and her gritty Grandma – who smokes, swears, and can’t cook to save her life – has come to the rescue. Jane Peeler’s life might be chaotic but it’s hilariously funny too.

In this winning sequel to The Way to Schenectady, writer Richard Scrimger delivers the goods and then some. Of Mice and Nutcrackers bubbles with laughter, although beneath the surface Scrimger deals with some difficult preteen issues. He beautifully balances an exploration of the rift in Jane’s friendship, her father’s illness, and the rather ominous conflict with the coach with a rib-tickling sense of humour that is sure to delight readers of all ages.

This story is bigger – both in theme and plot – than the previous one, with more space devoted to Jane, who takes a starring role. However, it’s Grandma who steals the show. Her home-cooked meals range from burnt pork chops with marshmallows to calves’ foot jelly sandwiches. She must be the only grandmother in the world who can ruin instant hot chocolate. Nowhere are Scrimger’s comic turns put to better effect than in scenes where he lets Grandma loose.