Zoo'n lastige jongen

"Sultane française au Maroc" by Noël Amaudru is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. It likely follows a lively, well-meaning but troublesome boy whose pranks and earnest “good deeds” keep his family constantly on edge, balanced by the patience and affection of an older sister. The opening of the story introduces Jo Holmer, a mischievous nine-year-old bursting with energy, and his kind sister Corrie. After coaxing a story from her, Jo is inspired by a tale to wade through gutters “scientifically,” returning home soaked and triumphant, then gets sent to bed. Later he decides to “help” by making a catalogue of his father’s library, turning the room into chaos and bringing Corrie to tears, until a friend helps restore order; Jo, remorseful, puts himself to bed without supper and is gently comforted by his father. Invited to an uncle’s house, Jo’s candor and blunders (including kicking the breakfast table and bargaining for jam) oddly endear him to the strict uncle. At the start of their stay, Jo tries to fix a frozen water tap with a hammer, breaks the pipe, and unleashes a flood that soaks both him and Corrie, just as help is called. (This is an automatically generated summary.)