The Terrible Two Get Worse

The Terrible Two Get Worse
Written by Mac Barnett & Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

My rating: ★★★½

ISBN: 978-1419716805
Publisher: Henry N. Abrams
Date of publication: January 12, 2016
Age: Grades 3 - 7
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: pranks, consequences, friendship, principals

On their own, pranksters Miles and Niles were pretty devious. Now that they’ve formed a pranking duo, they’re terrible! But their powers will be tested when their favorite nemesis, Principal Barkin, is replaced by his stern and cunning father, Former Principal Barkin. Now Miles and Niles will do just about anything to get their old antagonist back—including pranking alongside him.

"It is only a prank if we react." And so begins the downfall of the Terrible Two. And it was actually pretty sad! Former Principal Barkin is a hard-nosed dictator with preposterous demands and unfair biases, an utterly ridiculous character that really made me mad. I understand that's how I'm supposed to feel about him...but seriously! It really takes away from the humor and joy of the last book. Of course, there are still some great lines and jabs of humor, but I'm going to stick with my gut and say the first one was better (it was a top favorite of mine last year). This one had less pranks, and the climax prank was far less impressive and somewhat out-of-nowhere. But I'm glad it happened in terms of the story.

Overall, kids who loved the first book will definitely pick up the second one and still enjoy it. There's some added depth to the characters, particularly Niles and Principal Barkin, that I really appreciated. The sporadic illustrations are fantastic and add much to the humor of the story. I probably wouldn't recommend it in and of itself, but to those who enjoyed the first, I'd say give it a go.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Terrible Two

The Terrible Two
Written by Mac Barnett & Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1419714917
Publisher: Henry N. Abrams
Date of publication: January 13, 2015
Age: Grades 3 - 7
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: pranks, cows, identity, friendship

Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that's only famous for its cows. In his old school, he had already established himself as the prankster. But here? Miles quickly discovers that Yawnee Valley already has a prankster, and a great one at that. Miles wants to make a name for himself, and the war between pranksters begins. But what if the two finally decide to join forces? And pull off the biggest prank ever seen?

So I knew that Mac Barnett and Jory John were hilarious, and I knew the premise for this book, but I was still surprised. I laughed out loud repeatedly. Like, people-looking-at-me-weird, awkward-snorting-noises book laughing. I loved it! There's just the right amount of suspense and trickery to keep you on your toes but with enough humor in between to keep it absolutely hilarious. Great for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or, perhaps, a good offer to those reluctant readers. Go and try it for yourself!

Find it at your library or on Amazon