Timmy Failure: Look What You've Done by Stephen Pastis

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-       Written by Stephen Pastis, this second book in the Timmy Failure series focuses on Timmy Failure, a very unique protagonist that runs his own detective agency, Total Failure, Inc., with his partner Total, a large imaginary polar bear. Timmy has complete self-confidence along with delusions of grandeur as he attempts to solve the mystery of who stole the superintendent's globe, for a $500 reward. The characters are believable, from Timmy, who has an absent father and a distorted view of his abilities that lands him in therapy, to Molly Moskins, who has romantic intentions towards Timmy. The language in Timmy Failure is fresh and believable, and this second book offers more insight into Timmy’s redeemable qualities through his relationship with his aunt Colander, who seems to have qualities similar to Timmy. The unusual antics and the hilarious drawings, done by Timmy, will draw in reluctant younger readers, while the wit and advanced vocabulary are bonuses for advanced readers. The chapters are pretty short with pun-inducing titles, and there is many a quick laugh to be had. 

Evaluative Criteria: Characters and Style (included in review)

Pastis, Stephan (2014). Timmy Failure: now look what you've done. Scholastic, Incorporated. New York.

-Ms. J