Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert
Nina wants the lead in the school play of Romeo and Juliet, but a new boy and an old rival are in the way.
Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert is a illustrated school fiction title by Sarah Bowie. In the children’s bestseller list we checked on 7 November 2026, it was number 15. This guide explains what the book is about, who it suits, how to talk about it and what to read next.
What is Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert about?
Nina is annoyed when her mum asks her to show a new boy, Ethan, around town. She remembers him as a childhood rival, but he is now older and, to her surprise, rather appealing. The school’s end-of-term production is Romeo and Juliet, and Nina wants the lead opposite him. Her rival, Megan, wants the same part, so the two compete to be the top drama student.
It is the fourth book in the series and follows Is Amazing, Mega Mystery Solver and Epic World Tour Era. Sarah Bowie illustrates her own stories.
Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert: book details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Sarah Bowie |
| Series | Nina Peanut (book 4) |
| Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
| Published | 7 May 2026 |
| Length | 266 pages |
| Genre | Illustrated school fiction |
| Age guide | 9+ |
| ISBN (edition listed) | 9780702348198 |
Ages marked as “suggested” are our own guidance, not the publisher’s. Editions and dates can differ between shops, so check the listing for the copy you want.
Why children enjoy Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert
- A dramatic heroine, a school play and a friendly rivalry make for a lively read.
- Illustrations keep the pace quick.
- A story about wanting a role and handling disappointment will ring true for many tweens.
Reading and talking tips
Use these prompts to make reading time a conversation:
- Ask: “Have you ever wanted something that a friend also wanted?”
- Read a short scene from Romeo and Juliet together, or watch a child-friendly version.
- Make your own comic panel of a dramatic moment from your week.
An Irish connection
This title has an Irish link through its author, setting or subject, which makes it a good fit for our collection of Irish children’s authors and illustrators.
About Sarah Bowie
Sarah Bowie is an Irish illustrator, author and cartoonist who lives in Waterford. The Nina Peanut series is published by Scholastic.
Read more on our Sarah Bowie author page.
If your child likes this, try…
- The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby, number 16 in the list.
- Tom Gates Is Not Famous (Yet) by Liz Pichon, number 12 in the list.
- Squad Girls by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, number 8 in the list.
Browse the whole list in our Top 20 children’s books, or use our books by age guides to find your next read.
Frequently asked questions about Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert
What age is Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert for?
It suits readers from about 9 upwards.
Is Major Drama Alert part of a series?
Yes, it is book 4 in the Nina Peanut series.
Is Sarah Bowie an Irish author?
Yes. She is an Irish illustrator and author who lives in Waterford.
Where to find it: your local library, an independent bookshop or an online retailer. Library membership is free in Ireland; see our guide to using your library.