The Terrible Two and The Terrible Two Get Worse

The Terrible Two

written by Mac Barnett and Jory John

Illustrated by Kevin Cornell

For some reason, mischievous characters have always been some of my favorites.  It isn't that I can relate to them personally, but I always find great amusement in their shenanigans and perhaps live vicariously through them.  I kept seeing The Terrible Two pop up on recommended lists, and after reading a few nonfiction in a row, I was in the mood for something quick and humorous.  This was the perfect choice.  It was quick, light, and full of mischief and laugh out loud moments.  Some books are written to convey a message, and some are just meant to be enjoyed.  The Terrible Two is just that---meant to be enjoyed by young (and old!) readers.

Miles Murphy just moved to Yawnee Valley, and is on a mission to be the school prankster.  On his first day, he discovers that he has competition...someone has parked the principal's car on the school's front steps.  Niles Sparks is a pranking genius who has the perfect cover in his self-created position as School Helper, and the principal's star student.  When Miles and Niles combine forces, blundering Principal Barry Barkin is in for trouble and pure chaos.

The illustrations perfectly match the quirky characterizations, and add to the humor.

The Terrible Two Get Worse

Miles and Niles are back, and have plans for some terrific pranks.  However, there's a problem.  Barry Barkin has been fired as principal because of all of the pranking chaos that has occurred.  His father and former principal, Bertrand Barkin, is put in as the new principal.  Bertrand is a new challenge for Miles and Niles because he doesn't acknowledge their pranks. If nobody knows about a prank, is it still a prank?  Feeling bad about getting Barry Barkin fired, Miles and Niles are determined to pull a big enough prank on Bertrand to get Barry his job back.  Will they succeed?  Miles and Niles begin to draw some lines----they love a good prank, but don't want to hurt anyone along the way.

Cleverness at its best, and one that even reluctant readers will want to read.  It moved a little slower than The Terrible Two, but still had some laugh out loud moments.

My Rating:  5 stars for The Terrible Two and 4.5 stars for The Terrible Two Get Worse   (I will be adding these to our home library).  They would make great read-alouds in upper elementary grades.
Perfect for: 10-12 year olds

There is a third book in the series that is going to be released next February, and it looks like the fun is going to be taken to a whole new level!



Happy reading!

Emily