We Meet Again

September 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-Timmy Failure is back along with his business partner, Total, a 1,500 pound polar bear; the tangerine scented "criminal mastermind" Molly Moskins; his best friend, Rollo Toukas; and his arch nemesis Corrina, Corrina. When readers catch up with Timmy this time around, he has been placed on academic probation and the one thing that can save him is the infamous Miracle Report. A report of legend, for it is the only time an assignment has received an "A +++++." Timmy gets paired with the Beast (aka Corrina, Corrina) as his report partner, his mother is dating his little league coach, an evil cat and dog duo are staying in his apartment, and to top it all off, the Scum Bolo Chihuahua that eats children lives in the redwood forest where Timmy has to go for a field trip. Pastis's lovely balance of quirky cartooning and quick-moving text makes this an enjoyable, laugh-out-loud read. Highly recommended for kids who love Bill Watterson's "Calvin and Hobbes," Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Lincoln Peirce's "Big Nate" Rachel Renee Russell's or "Dork Diaries." This book and the entire series are a perfect go-to for reluctant readers.-Krishna Grady, Darien Library, CT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2014
This is a book about very nice people. None of them is Timmy Failure. The main character in a children's book is often the kindest, most heroic person in the story, but not here. Timmy spends his time in class drawing insulting baseball cards with pictures of his classmates. Molly Moskins has a crush on Timmy. Her baseball card says, "Characteristics: Mismatched pupils. Smells like tangerine." His best friend's card says, "Boring." In spite of that, his friends go out of their way to help him, and a good-natured teacher even asks if Timmy will draw him on a baseball card. (His card has only one word on the back: "Nosy.") Some readers will lose patience with Timmy, and they may even wonder if the book would be better with someone else as the main character. But there are several moments where Timmy is unironically sweet. Anyone familiar with the previous books in the series may be surprised at the genuine sentiment in a few scenes. There are actual hugs, and there's a deeply touching conversation with a very unlikely person. (Her baseball card says, "Occupation: Evil.") Timmy Failure is a classic antihero: Some readers will be drawn to the book because of him; others will be drawn to it in spite of him. (Comic mystery. 8-12)

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September 1, 2014
Grades 4-7 In this third story about the world's greatest detective (who really isn't), Timmy Failure is allowed back to school on academic probation, and he and his mother (and polar bear Total) have moved again now that she has a new job. School continues to be a thorn in Timmy's side, as it gets in the way of his plans for global domination of the detective market. A make-or-break science project, which creates stress and unhealthy competition between his classmates, provides Timmy with the opportunity to establish his credentials once and for allor crash and burn more than he has ever crashed and burned before. Pastis' supporting cast of characters are really beginning to emerge from the grip of Timmy's perspective, and in several cases, they have become effective narrative foils for him, rather than speechless bystanders to his quirkiness. While he is not yet ready for prime time, there are signs that, with the support of people who find him lovable in spite of himself, Timmy Failure will not live up to his name. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Timmy Failure is anything but a failure on the best-seller list. Select author appearances, a book trailer, a teacher's guide, and more should extend this kid's success streak.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

December 3, 2012
Mysteries abound in the first children’s book from Pastis, creator of the comic strip Pearls Before Swine. Who stole the Halloween candy of Timmy’s classmate Gabe? Who is the mysterious girl Timmy refuses to discuss? Why is no one fazed that Timmy has a pet polar bear named Total? Fortunately, Timmy is an aspiring detective, who believes his agency, Total Failure Inc. (“We won’t fail, despite what the name says”), is “on the verge of being a Fortune 500 company.” Unfortunately, Timmy is a terrible sleuth, who doesn’t leap to the wrong conclusions so much as cannonball into a swimming pool full of them. His narration reveals an impressive command of business-speak (he doesn’t talk with his single mother—he teleconferences), while the wide-eyed characters resemble a cross between the work of George Booth and Sara Varon. Pastis has assembled an eccentric and funny cast (running gags revolve around Total’s voracious appetite and a librarian who looks like one of the Hells Angels), yet there are also touching interactions to be found, particularly between Timmy and his mother. Ages 8–12. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House.