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Templeton Twins #2
The Templeton Twins Make a Scene( Book 2)[TEMPLETON TWINS MAKE A SCENE][Paperback]
The Templeton Twins Make a Scene( Book 2) <> Paperback <> EllisWeiner <> ChronicleBooks
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First published October 8, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 8, 2020
Una dintre cele mai amuzante serii, care spune o istorie inedită despre doi gemeni inventivi și un tată - om de știință. Ellis Weiner este un narator de înaltă calitate și de un perfecționism aparte. Așa că recomand aceste cărți pentru lecturi în familie, alături de cei mici. Veți redescoperi plăcerea cititului împreună.
June 1, 2020
"The first book is on the RI Children's Book Award list ...would love to have #2 ready for the kids who love #1."
Uh ... evidently I wrote that when shelving the book in 2013?
Well, now I finally read it, and it was so much fun. I have already recommended to kids who like SoUE because the narrator is such a kook. This might be my favorite quote:
"Yes, the lighting designer’s last name was Light. Do not be amazed at this. It happens all the time. I once knew a man who ran a construction crew whose name was David Powerdrill Steamshovel. All right, that is not true. But it does happen all the time."
Or maybe this:
"If you guessed it correctly, please accept my heartiest congratulations. Well, wait. No, not my heartiest. I think I will reserve my heartiest congratulations for myself, for something wonderful that I will do."
Uh ... evidently I wrote that when shelving the book in 2013?
Well, now I finally read it, and it was so much fun. I have already recommended to kids who like SoUE because the narrator is such a kook. This might be my favorite quote:
"Yes, the lighting designer’s last name was Light. Do not be amazed at this. It happens all the time. I once knew a man who ran a construction crew whose name was David Powerdrill Steamshovel. All right, that is not true. But it does happen all the time."
Or maybe this:
"If you guessed it correctly, please accept my heartiest congratulations. Well, wait. No, not my heartiest. I think I will reserve my heartiest congratulations for myself, for something wonderful that I will do."
March 9, 2015
This was chosen by my daughter as the next book for me to read aloud to her. She had loved the first book and so we knew what we were in for with this one. Basically two kids deal with the evil Dean brothers (Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean) and a new nanny, Manny Mann, and their inventor father's newest invention, AND a cheeky, conceited Narrator who offers pointers For Further Study at the end of every chapter, not to mention footnotes about the proper way to pronounce French words the Narrator enjoys using to prove how smart he is. This book didn't disappoint.
March 10, 2021
This is a very cute series and is a challenge that is appropriate for you higher readers in 3rd grade. So often these days it's hard to find challenging things for your higher readers. This series is full of great vocabulary and word play while having an engaging plot that is exciting as well as appropriate for intermediate age children. I highly recommend it.
May 11, 2017
Funny!
December 24, 2019
Had this ARC sitting around forever; finally read it. It's amusing, Lemony Snicket-esque, but not as good.
April 21, 2020
Still enjoyed this, but definitely didn’t love it as much as the first book. It almost felt like it was trying too hard.
April 1, 2022
Just as funny as the first book and with no annoying word puzzles. A fun nice read.
July 26, 2022
Ugh! I can't stand this villain. Creepy.
February 9, 2024
i really love the art style of the illustrations and the witty way the narrator tells the story. this weirdly reminds me of a series of unfortunate events
June 28, 2013
Read same book over and over. Check. Read all books written by favorite author. Check. Read series in chronological order. Check. If this sounds like you, then I highly recommend this new series called, "The Templeton Twins." I also suggest reading book 1 before book 2 or you will get an earful from the Narrator. And I don't mean an ear full of wax or other literal interpretation; I mean a blast of noise from the Narrator shaming you into reading his can't-put-it-down-absolutely-wonderful first book every other chapter or so (in case you haven't). This second book follows the same path as book one with the same villain and main protagonists. A new and funnier nanny is hired and the twins try inventions on their own. The visuals and funny end-of-chapter quizzes are again a mainstay along with footnotes and another recipe.
The Templeton twin's dad gets a new job at TAPAS (the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences) where he designs a camera lens that will be used in theatrical productions. The Dean brothers have decided to steal his invention and look like they will succeed until the twins turn the tables on them and give them a taste of being falsely accused of a crime. When a last minute sabatoge looks like it will harm someone, the twins must come to the rescue. Another fun adventure with a ridiculous dog and ingenious children.
I always laugh reading Weiner's books that are brimming with action and humor. I also usually read some passages out loud getting curious looks from those around me. I can't help myself. Here... try this aloud: "'Armoire is a French word. You pronounce it 'arm-WHAH' It means - I think - 'a place to keep your arms.' Or maybe not. Look, never mind what it means." That said, this book is so similar to the first book, the magic was a bit lost on me second time around. This doesn't tend to be a negative with young readers so don't let it stop you from getting the book. I did think the narrator inserted himself more in this novel which made for more distractions from the plot and left my ADHD brain unfocused in spots. Call it a "plot spot" if you will. Or "plot splot" if you are poetic. Maybe if the bursts of narration were less infrequent I wouldn't lose track of the details. Of course I can't find my car keys half the time so take this defect into account.
While the plot is predictable I do like the tie-ins with school subjects and the messages the author gives to readers. When Abigail and John decide to make an invention, they go through the engineering steps found in Engineering is Elementary: ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve. As a read aloud a teacher could tie it in with science. Add to that oodles of literary elements such as word plays, idioms, acronyms, mystery plot elements, and more, as well as, a major plot point on plagiarism and you have much to chew on for class or small group discussions. The message of the twins doing too much homework and not playing enough can be taken so many ways. As an adult I oftentimes don't play enough. Many kids play too much and don't study enough. At my school in Asia the students study and have tutors in first grade. Maybe they need to play more. People can reflect on their own lifestyles and happiness and gain their own meaning from the text. That's the beauty of books and good writing. It allows for personal reflections and connections to life experiences. A great addition to your library.
The Templeton twin's dad gets a new job at TAPAS (the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences) where he designs a camera lens that will be used in theatrical productions. The Dean brothers have decided to steal his invention and look like they will succeed until the twins turn the tables on them and give them a taste of being falsely accused of a crime. When a last minute sabatoge looks like it will harm someone, the twins must come to the rescue. Another fun adventure with a ridiculous dog and ingenious children.
I always laugh reading Weiner's books that are brimming with action and humor. I also usually read some passages out loud getting curious looks from those around me. I can't help myself. Here... try this aloud: "'Armoire is a French word. You pronounce it 'arm-WHAH' It means - I think - 'a place to keep your arms.' Or maybe not. Look, never mind what it means." That said, this book is so similar to the first book, the magic was a bit lost on me second time around. This doesn't tend to be a negative with young readers so don't let it stop you from getting the book. I did think the narrator inserted himself more in this novel which made for more distractions from the plot and left my ADHD brain unfocused in spots. Call it a "plot spot" if you will. Or "plot splot" if you are poetic. Maybe if the bursts of narration were less infrequent I wouldn't lose track of the details. Of course I can't find my car keys half the time so take this defect into account.
While the plot is predictable I do like the tie-ins with school subjects and the messages the author gives to readers. When Abigail and John decide to make an invention, they go through the engineering steps found in Engineering is Elementary: ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve. As a read aloud a teacher could tie it in with science. Add to that oodles of literary elements such as word plays, idioms, acronyms, mystery plot elements, and more, as well as, a major plot point on plagiarism and you have much to chew on for class or small group discussions. The message of the twins doing too much homework and not playing enough can be taken so many ways. As an adult I oftentimes don't play enough. Many kids play too much and don't study enough. At my school in Asia the students study and have tutors in first grade. Maybe they need to play more. People can reflect on their own lifestyles and happiness and gain their own meaning from the text. That's the beauty of books and good writing. It allows for personal reflections and connections to life experiences. A great addition to your library.
June 12, 2014
Review by Evan - Year 8
As you would expect, The Templeton Twins is about twins, Abigail and John, who are the son and daughter of a world famous inventor. He is about to create a device which could fetch millions but somebody is trying to take the credit for it. The twins will stop at nothing to make sure their father gets what is rightfully his. I feel that the Twins each boast qualities that will be put to very good use at the climax. On numerous occasions they have to work together, complimenting each of their strengths, aided by people who they believe are annoying, but are actually their friends.
The best parts of the book is when the narrator gets up to his antics and begins talking about how brilliant he is. He is not afraid to show his seeming dislike for us readers if we haven’t read the first book. However, the best thing about it is how if you haven’t read the first book, it doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the second. You don’t miss out on anything that is vital to your understanding of the story.
The way the characters develop, is one of the ways I think the story is kind to those who haven’t read the first book despite how unkind the narrator is if that is the case. My favourite character would be the boss of the Twins Dad. She steals the show when she is in the room and is portrayed truly brilliantly! It is one of the few books that will make you laugh out loud. Tell your friends, make them laugh as well :)
Unfortunately, some parts of the book were not quite as good as they could have been. The characters don’t get old but I feel that the narrators jokes did at times. At first, I think that when he was talking about how amazing he is and how disappointed he was if we hadn’t read the first book was quite funny. However, those jokes and the use of French words all the way through the book just got overused.
Despite this, I think I would read another book by the same author because I think that I did enjoy it. Out of five, I think I would give it a four because like I said, there was a bit of room for improvement but I enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are over the age of ten because there are lots of French words and I am not sure that they would fully understand the humor.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and if you want a funny children’s book, you can’t get much better than this.
As you would expect, The Templeton Twins is about twins, Abigail and John, who are the son and daughter of a world famous inventor. He is about to create a device which could fetch millions but somebody is trying to take the credit for it. The twins will stop at nothing to make sure their father gets what is rightfully his. I feel that the Twins each boast qualities that will be put to very good use at the climax. On numerous occasions they have to work together, complimenting each of their strengths, aided by people who they believe are annoying, but are actually their friends.
The best parts of the book is when the narrator gets up to his antics and begins talking about how brilliant he is. He is not afraid to show his seeming dislike for us readers if we haven’t read the first book. However, the best thing about it is how if you haven’t read the first book, it doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the second. You don’t miss out on anything that is vital to your understanding of the story.
The way the characters develop, is one of the ways I think the story is kind to those who haven’t read the first book despite how unkind the narrator is if that is the case. My favourite character would be the boss of the Twins Dad. She steals the show when she is in the room and is portrayed truly brilliantly! It is one of the few books that will make you laugh out loud. Tell your friends, make them laugh as well :)
Unfortunately, some parts of the book were not quite as good as they could have been. The characters don’t get old but I feel that the narrators jokes did at times. At first, I think that when he was talking about how amazing he is and how disappointed he was if we hadn’t read the first book was quite funny. However, those jokes and the use of French words all the way through the book just got overused.
Despite this, I think I would read another book by the same author because I think that I did enjoy it. Out of five, I think I would give it a four because like I said, there was a bit of room for improvement but I enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are over the age of ten because there are lots of French words and I am not sure that they would fully understand the humor.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and if you want a funny children’s book, you can’t get much better than this.
October 5, 2013
As posted on Outside of a Dog:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say. If this is the case, than Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch have a great fan in Ellis Weiner. The formers’ style of narration had to be an influence on Weiner’s obnoxious, self-aggrandizing Narrator in his series about the Templeton Twins, the second volume of which, entitled The Templeton Twins Make a Scene is soon to be released. Thankfully for Mr. Weiner, he does not rely totally on readers’ familiarity with peculiar narrators to keep his story afloat, and instead stuffs his book to the gills with jokes, action, twins, inventions and one ridiculous dog.
When we last saw the Templeton twins, Abigail and John, they had just thwarted nefarious twins Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean and their plan to steal credit for Professor Templeton’s One Man Helicoptor. After a brief respite, during which the Templeton family moves to a new university, Professor Templeton begins work on a new invention, and the twins get a new nanny (named Manny – Manny the Nanny), the diabolical duo of Deans returns to wreak havoc on them all.
I would go into more detail, but really, you can work it out, especially if you’ve read the first installment. Book two is more of the same. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it is predictable, but so is every Nancy Drew mystery, and millions of kids still read and love those. Mr. Weiner is aided greatly by his illustrator, Jeremy Holmes, whose clever and amusing graphics pepper the prose*.
These books aren’t going to be for everyone. Some of you will find the Narrator so maddening, you’ll want to tear your hair out. Some of you are going to find him hilarious. Different strokes. But if you enjoy stories about crafty kids (and their dog, and their Manny) ruining the plans of ridiculous adults, you just might love The Templeton Twins.
*Final art was not seen, but based on the sketches, and Mr. Holmes’ work in the previous volume, I feel confident making this statement.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say. If this is the case, than Lemony Snicket and Pseudonymous Bosch have a great fan in Ellis Weiner. The formers’ style of narration had to be an influence on Weiner’s obnoxious, self-aggrandizing Narrator in his series about the Templeton Twins, the second volume of which, entitled The Templeton Twins Make a Scene is soon to be released. Thankfully for Mr. Weiner, he does not rely totally on readers’ familiarity with peculiar narrators to keep his story afloat, and instead stuffs his book to the gills with jokes, action, twins, inventions and one ridiculous dog.
When we last saw the Templeton twins, Abigail and John, they had just thwarted nefarious twins Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean and their plan to steal credit for Professor Templeton’s One Man Helicoptor. After a brief respite, during which the Templeton family moves to a new university, Professor Templeton begins work on a new invention, and the twins get a new nanny (named Manny – Manny the Nanny), the diabolical duo of Deans returns to wreak havoc on them all.
I would go into more detail, but really, you can work it out, especially if you’ve read the first installment. Book two is more of the same. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it is predictable, but so is every Nancy Drew mystery, and millions of kids still read and love those. Mr. Weiner is aided greatly by his illustrator, Jeremy Holmes, whose clever and amusing graphics pepper the prose*.
These books aren’t going to be for everyone. Some of you will find the Narrator so maddening, you’ll want to tear your hair out. Some of you are going to find him hilarious. Different strokes. But if you enjoy stories about crafty kids (and their dog, and their Manny) ruining the plans of ridiculous adults, you just might love The Templeton Twins.
*Final art was not seen, but based on the sketches, and Mr. Holmes’ work in the previous volume, I feel confident making this statement.
October 22, 2013
Abigail & John (the Templeton twins of the title) join their brilliant professor father at TAPAS (Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences) where he has been tasked with creating a device for the theatre that will allow theatre-goers up close and personal experiences -- the hope is that this device will help enliven the ailing theatre department. But, as is to be expected in a middle grade novel, things don't go as planned. There are evil-doers out to sabotage the invention and it's up to Abigail & John (and their ridiculous dog) to save the day.
I must admit that I am unfamiliar with this author and have not read the first in the series (something that I was quite entertainingly cursed out for by the narrator). The writing style is very fast-paced and slap-stickish — perfect for over-imaginative kids. If you have a child who loves silly happenings, end of chapter, non-sensical quizzes and doesn’t mind the narrator interjecting along the way, this is for them. While I felt the narrator popping in was a bit annoying, I can see where kids won’t mind. There’s a lot of fun phrasing and a few made up words/definitions (which is mainly where the author interjects — to define said words) that I think a lot of kids will enjoy. I did find the story enjoyable, even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the overall style.
I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to John & Abigail. They’re adventurous and very resourceful. The other characters all add something to the story (their father, Cassie — the woman who catches his eye — and the villainous Dean brothers).
While the overall effect was somewhat lost on me, I do believe that kids will thoroughly enjoy this one. There’s a lot of adventure and a great message between the pages.
I must admit that I am unfamiliar with this author and have not read the first in the series (something that I was quite entertainingly cursed out for by the narrator). The writing style is very fast-paced and slap-stickish — perfect for over-imaginative kids. If you have a child who loves silly happenings, end of chapter, non-sensical quizzes and doesn’t mind the narrator interjecting along the way, this is for them. While I felt the narrator popping in was a bit annoying, I can see where kids won’t mind. There’s a lot of fun phrasing and a few made up words/definitions (which is mainly where the author interjects — to define said words) that I think a lot of kids will enjoy. I did find the story enjoyable, even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the overall style.
I think a lot of kids will be able to relate to John & Abigail. They’re adventurous and very resourceful. The other characters all add something to the story (their father, Cassie — the woman who catches his eye — and the villainous Dean brothers).
While the overall effect was somewhat lost on me, I do believe that kids will thoroughly enjoy this one. There’s a lot of adventure and a great message between the pages.
May 15, 2014
(the narrator would publically denounce me for not reading book 1, however I do believe while you may miss the fact the narrator does a great job of filling you in and it really isn't necessary, but it might be fun) The Templeton Twins Make a Scene: Book 2 is a fun read. John and Abigail are off on a new adventure as Professor Templeton moves them on to the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Science otherwise known as TAPAS for his latest invention. John and Abigail begin a new school, get a new nanny - Manny the Nanny, and continue to do their homework before anything else. They practice their respective hobbies and once again must save the day against the evil Dean twins who try to sabotage their father's work.
I think this would be a fantastic read aloud book for classroom or home. I love the use of footnotes explaining how words are pronounces and although it took some getting used to I finally liked the biting sarcasm of the narrator's narration. The questions for discussion at the end of each chapter are a hoot, one of the reasons I think it would make a great read aloud book. The questions can easily be brushed aside when you read them by yourself, but would make for some great discussion either when reading to your child(ren) or in a classroom. I love that the narrator takes the time to explain the meaning of some words or tells the reader to look it up. I admit that it took me a few chapters to get used to the narrator, but I came to love the tone of the narrator and think younger readers especially will enjoy the book.
I think this would be a fantastic read aloud book for classroom or home. I love the use of footnotes explaining how words are pronounces and although it took some getting used to I finally liked the biting sarcasm of the narrator's narration. The questions for discussion at the end of each chapter are a hoot, one of the reasons I think it would make a great read aloud book. The questions can easily be brushed aside when you read them by yourself, but would make for some great discussion either when reading to your child(ren) or in a classroom. I love that the narrator takes the time to explain the meaning of some words or tells the reader to look it up. I admit that it took me a few chapters to get used to the narrator, but I came to love the tone of the narrator and think younger readers especially will enjoy the book.
September 5, 2013
I enjoyed the first book in this series because of the annoying (in a good way) authorial voice and the author's inclusion of pointless quizzes and impossible assignments for the reader. The second book was just as delightful as the first one since it followed the same structure as the first one. Twins Abigail and John Templeton have moved to a new place with their inventor father who has been hired to create a device for the university's ailing theatre department. The Dean brothers are on hand to make sure things don't go as planned, of course, and a vapid but well-dressed Gwendolyn Splendide catches the eye of the twins' father despite her inability to remember their names. Readers will enjoy following the twins as they figure out what the Deans have been up to during the whole time, but mostly, they'll enjoy the narrator's condescending attitude as well as his admonition to anyone reading this book before reading the first one. His snarky remarks and constant back-patting for his own good work add to the book's fun as do those absurd assignments that bring to mind many pointless tests and projects doled out by teachers to make sure students have read their assigned books. The artwork that I saw in the ARC looks terrific, and I'll be interested in seeing how it turns out in the final version of this hilarious wordplay-filled book. While the Templeton twins do, indeed, make a scene in order to save the day, readers will wish that they could make the scene with these intrepid adventurers. Bravo for the narrator--and for Cassie!
September 25, 2013
The Templeton Twins Make a Scene is the sequel to Templeton Twins Have an Idea. The Middle-Grade novel follows twins Abigail and John through their adventures at their father's university, and run-ins with the sinister Dean brothers. The Dean brothers are definitely the most well-concepted characters in the series. They are evil, yet funny, and provide the largest source of entertainment in the book. What ruins the story is the narrator; he constantly breaks the scene and therefore does not allow the reader to become immersed in the novel. This also makes the twins less relatable because one in constantly pulled by the narrator's opinion making the characters feel distant. It did, however, help that some of the narrator's comments are presented in footnotes, giving the reader the choice of hearing his thoughts or continuing the story. On a positive note, the illustrations are even better than the last book, and children will likely enjoy them. Another fun element in the novel is the cryptic crossword puzzles. Readers will take pleasure in solving the puzzles presented in the story. Overall 2.5/5 stars; if the narrator was not as prominent it would have at least be a 4 star book. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2014
Once again, I must say that I wasn't a fan of the Narrator of this book, and that made it a tough read. I just find him a bit too condescending for my taste. Others may find his antics funny. I did not.
This is the second installment in these series, and it isn't clear if there will be a third. I found it interesting the that author dedicated this book to Lemony Snicket because once again it feels like it is trying to be too much like the Series of Unfortunate Events, and failing miserably. Acting was a big part of the drama (no pun intended) in Lemony Snicket's tale, and here we see the theater popping into this story. Also, a large part of what made A Series of Unfortunate Events work is that Count Olaf (the bad guy if you are unfamiliar with the story) is often not recognized despite his bad disguises. We also see something similar going on in this book, but it just doesn't work.
Still, it isn't all bad. There are some interesting plot turns, and some of it is funny. There is more word play and the crazy names.
Perhaps the one thing that bothers me most though is that despite the Narrator saying that the Templeton Twins are great kids, they don't seem to have any friends their own age. Even the siblings in Lemony Snicket's series made friends.
This is the second installment in these series, and it isn't clear if there will be a third. I found it interesting the that author dedicated this book to Lemony Snicket because once again it feels like it is trying to be too much like the Series of Unfortunate Events, and failing miserably. Acting was a big part of the drama (no pun intended) in Lemony Snicket's tale, and here we see the theater popping into this story. Also, a large part of what made A Series of Unfortunate Events work is that Count Olaf (the bad guy if you are unfamiliar with the story) is often not recognized despite his bad disguises. We also see something similar going on in this book, but it just doesn't work.
Still, it isn't all bad. There are some interesting plot turns, and some of it is funny. There is more word play and the crazy names.
Perhaps the one thing that bothers me most though is that despite the Narrator saying that the Templeton Twins are great kids, they don't seem to have any friends their own age. Even the siblings in Lemony Snicket's series made friends.
August 19, 2013
This is #2 in the new Templeton Twins series, and it is most often compared to Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events titles. The narrator's voice doesn't just cross the fourth wall, he reaches beyond the pages and yanks the readers by the collar to shake the daylights out of them if they haven't yet read #1. The narrator also sprinkles numerous vocabulary lessons throughout his sarcastic remarks about the events of the story. In this title that includes the technical language of theater production, as well as more broadly referenced language throughout the story of John and Abigail Templeton's adventures at their father's new job, professor at the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences.
The footnotes, quizzes, recipes, and other various additions throughout amuse and reinforce the farcical tone of the story.
As an admirer of illustrator Jeremy Holmes I longed to see the final art, which was not yet available in the ARC copy reviewed. The cover art and work from the previous title in the series assure me that the readers will find ample amusement and enhancements of the text in his work.
The footnotes, quizzes, recipes, and other various additions throughout amuse and reinforce the farcical tone of the story.
As an admirer of illustrator Jeremy Holmes I longed to see the final art, which was not yet available in the ARC copy reviewed. The cover art and work from the previous title in the series assure me that the readers will find ample amusement and enhancements of the text in his work.
October 18, 2013
I got an advanced reader of this book, so I cannot speak to the illustrations but, as the narrator continually assures the audience, this is one of the finest books ever written. The Templeton twins are back, along with their remarkably ridiculous dog and their inventor dad. Ah, but villainy is afoot! Their father's amazing new device that allows audiences close-ups during stage plays is in danger. Dean D. Dean and his brother Dan are back with nefarious plans. Fortunately our Twins of Tenacity are Seers of Sagacity far beyond their years. They develop a plan to thwart the evil-doers. This is a remarkably silly and fun book, with lots of comments from the narrator, who is constantly inserting himself into the story to define words, mention that something "comes from the French" and to quiz the readers at the end of each chapter with questions both sublime and ridiculous. (Well, I'm half right!) Fans of Lemony Snicket will feel right at home here. There is great silliness involved, melodrama, slapstick, and more. Readers will find much here to make them laugh. If you liked the first book you won't be disappointed in the second.
September 7, 2013
I received this book though the Goodreads Firstreads program, which I actually found surprising considering every other giveaway I'd entered for books in series or by authors I'd already read, ended up a big fat "Winners Chosen: NO." :(
But anyway, moving on...
I love this format for books for young readers: an illustrated chapter book with tasks to do outside of reading. End of chapter further review sections that ask comical review questions of the reading.
The book is cleverly illustrated and includes helpful diagrams for the contraptions built. The relationship between the twins and their father is one that encourages the children to think for themselves and the creative solution of problems, which, I think, is a positive example to set for young readers. This book also has a cleverly snarky narrator who makes reading it fun.
I think it is a charming book and series that would be enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
But anyway, moving on...
I love this format for books for young readers: an illustrated chapter book with tasks to do outside of reading. End of chapter further review sections that ask comical review questions of the reading.
The book is cleverly illustrated and includes helpful diagrams for the contraptions built. The relationship between the twins and their father is one that encourages the children to think for themselves and the creative solution of problems, which, I think, is a positive example to set for young readers. This book also has a cleverly snarky narrator who makes reading it fun.
I think it is a charming book and series that would be enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
November 17, 2013
The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner – quite an amusing story. It was nice to jump back into that nonsensical story. The dialogue of the narrator kept the pacing up except when there were amusing distractions. I hope that students enjoy the humor and “get” it. Good story about disguises, inventions, kidnapping, and theater.
Amusing portion I enjoyed reading: “My catchphrase is, “Oh really? Well, isn’t that interesting that you think that? Although as a matter of fact, I happen to know that you are wrong and I am right.” I say this all the time. People have told me that, as a catchphrase, it is not as short and punchy as it might be. In response, I merely repeat my catchphrase to them.”
Amusing portion I enjoyed reading: “My catchphrase is, “Oh really? Well, isn’t that interesting that you think that? Although as a matter of fact, I happen to know that you are wrong and I am right.” I say this all the time. People have told me that, as a catchphrase, it is not as short and punchy as it might be. In response, I merely repeat my catchphrase to them.”
February 17, 2016
A sequel for fans of the first, the author (narrator) makes sure you are well aware of the need to read the first if you haven't when you pick up the second. His addressed to the reader and even chapter questions are part of what make this such a charming book. The abundant illustrations are also fun. The twins and their father are now at another college and guess who's back- Dean D. Dean!! Yes, he's trying to take credit for another invention! What a villian! If you loved The Series of Unfortunate Events, do not miss what may become another series of fun and thrills. Follow me at http://mybrainistoofull.blogspot.com/ for more YA reviews!
October 6, 2013
Another fun story starring Abigail and John, their genius father and their dog Cassie. The Dean Brothers are up to their old tricks and try to get credit for the Professors new invention. The Templeton twins save the day and the Dean Brothers may be run out of town for good.
Told by a sometimes annoying (but funny) narrator, the story includes pop quizzes and frequent foot notes. Clever illustrations and funny villains will make this a pleasurable read for many.
Thanks to Chronicle Books and School Library Journal for the ARC.
Told by a sometimes annoying (but funny) narrator, the story includes pop quizzes and frequent foot notes. Clever illustrations and funny villains will make this a pleasurable read for many.
Thanks to Chronicle Books and School Library Journal for the ARC.
September 1, 2013
I won this book for free through Goodreads first reads.
I went to my local library and picked up book 1 first, so I could read it and would not be left in the dark before reading book 2.
Ok so this book is awesome for younger readers to get into and my kids loved it when I took the time to read it to them. I had a happy household and they would love for there to be another book in the future. Jam packed fun and laughs will await you in this goody.
Thank you to Ellis for a great read.
I went to my local library and picked up book 1 first, so I could read it and would not be left in the dark before reading book 2.
Ok so this book is awesome for younger readers to get into and my kids loved it when I took the time to read it to them. I had a happy household and they would love for there to be another book in the future. Jam packed fun and laughs will await you in this goody.
Thank you to Ellis for a great read.
September 5, 2013
Tweens and younger children will really enjoy this clever, tongue-in-cheek book. For adults who engage in companion reading with their children (as I do), it feels like a breezier Lemony Snicket series. I appreciate fiction that attempts to both entertain and educate children so I liked the inclusion of entries regarding the etymology and pronunciation of words, and the inclusion of a mentally challenging hobby (cryptic crosswords) for one of the characters. Well done.
December 28, 2015
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
I did not read the first book in the series, but I entered in this giveaway anyway because it sort of hit a my A Series of Unfortunate Events nerve. (I rather enjoyed that series for the most part...)
Anyway, this is a nice, easy read - which serves as a great break from all of the required academic reading that I have had to partake in. Overall, cute story!
I did not read the first book in the series, but I entered in this giveaway anyway because it sort of hit a my A Series of Unfortunate Events nerve. (I rather enjoyed that series for the most part...)
Anyway, this is a nice, easy read - which serves as a great break from all of the required academic reading that I have had to partake in. Overall, cute story!
September 24, 2014
There were some things I liked about the book, but following my personal guideline that if I would never read another book in the series it's 2 stars, not 3, well, here we are. The cultivated snarkiness of the narrator's tone was amusing at first but wore thin. The twins are not so much characters as they are cogs in a plot -- also thin. On the good side of the ledger were the stylized illustrations.
September 3, 2013
*I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways*
Okay, I hadn't read #1, which the Narrator constantly badgered me about, but that's okay. His sarcastic wit and vocabulary lessons were great, but got a little old....messed with the flow of the story a little. I think it would be a smoother read if it were incorporated better within the story. But a cute read for kids. I would recommend it.
Okay, I hadn't read #1, which the Narrator constantly badgered me about, but that's okay. His sarcastic wit and vocabulary lessons were great, but got a little old....messed with the flow of the story a little. I think it would be a smoother read if it were incorporated better within the story. But a cute read for kids. I would recommend it.
August 23, 2013
I enjoyed this story once I started skipping the narrator's excessive vocabulary lessons and the constant reminder to read the 1st book so that I would know what was going on with the Templetons. Taking out the narrator's comments made the story flow better and move faster and I was able to follow the plot line.
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