Two prankster best friends try to convince their teacher to let them sit together by writing a persuasive essay in this picture book filled with laughter and helpful writing tips.

Samir and Jack are in the doghouse after an incident involving a whoopee cushion and an unflattering drawing of the principal. When Miss Doover changes their seats, they decide to write a persuasive essay as a way to convince her to reunite them!

As the boys make their best case, Miss Doover walks them through the essay process, insisting on several of her famous do-overs (also known as revisions) and cautioning them to avoid incorrect grammar, hyperbole, and exaggeration. They eventually get the hang of persuasive writing, but not before some laugh-out-loud attempts-

I’ll die if I can’t sit next to Samir! People will be sobbing at my funeral!!!

Miss Doover should give Samir and me another chance to sit together. Then we won’t have to yell across the room to talk to each other. We promise to be good!!!!! (That is true. It is not hyperbole.)

Celebrated author Robin Pulver and artist Stephanie Roth Sisson have crafted a persuasively good book about the power of the written word.