In The Adventures of William and Thomas , Book 1 of the I Told You So series~from Canadian author Mark Gunning~two best friends find themselves frequently on the wrong side of awesome plans! Follow the boys as they take you on a hilarious journey of adventures, stunts, and pranks. Follow the boys as they get things stuck in trees, encounter angry killer bees, feed chili to Harry (a dog), create a monster in the basement, build a gigantic ramp, and make it snow in the summertime. Lost baseballs, angry bees, extra spicy chili, basement monsters, a massive ramp, and broken bones. Enjoy the adventures of short stories as they are sure to entertain children and parents. What more could you want? Oh, another book in the series!
Mark Gunning is a children’s author (and retired educator) who believes that the weirdest ideas make the best stories. Based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he traded in classroom chaos for barking dogs (Chewie and Ozzie) and the daily question, “What’ll the boys do next?” His books—like The Adventures of William and Thomas and the upcoming Itchygooney Mysteries series—mix laugh-out-loud moments with heart, because he knows kids will forgive almost anything… except boring chapters. When he’s not dreaming up mischief for William and Thomas, you’ll find him hiking the Niagara Gorge, playing slo-pitch, or convincing his guitar to hit the right chords. If you spot a swirl in the grass, look twice—it might just be the Mark of the Itchygooney Witch.
I can’t stop laughing, this book just brought me back to my teens,lol. It is delightful, funny and adventurous. I love the bee story where as usual😉 nothing went as planned. Definitely grab this book.
What a laugh out loud, funny entertaining book. The boys are always trying out new things and new inventions. Sadly for them, most of their plans flop and always leave behind angry family and friends. But they are definitely entertaining for others. A good book to pick up when you are having a bad day and need a laugh.
The Adventures of William and Thomas is a children's chapter book filled with adventures, illustrations, text messages and lots of plotting and planning. William and Thomas are always getting into something and there were definitely laugh out loud moments even when they were causing trouble or getting into it. There were references to people and things from the 70's and I definitely could relate.
It was a quick read at just over one-hundred pages and I definitely wanted to see what they would be up to next. They were lucky there weren't more injuries with some of the chaos they created and dangerous activities they participated in. The story ended a little abruptly but I would like to read more of this series. The chapter titles were cute as were the plans that were drawn. The author's interview where he answered questions that were posed gave me a chuckle or two. There was a sneak peek in the back of the book that left me wanting more.
How much trouble can two 10-yr- old boys get into? I am sure boys (and even girls) will easily relate to William and Thomas. I am almost certain that all girls have been a tomboy at some point in their childhooold. I know I was one and the two boys' (mis)adventures are almost the same adventures we did as children. I found the tree climbing and killer bee incidents really funny. This story will probably appeal more to boys but there is no reason girls won't love it too. Perfect chapter book for 2nd to 5th grade students.
After reading the second book of this 4 book series my kid wanted to read the first book and he wasn't disappointed. Although the books have some hilarious illustrations, these are more short stories than a picture book, so the target age is more the 8 to 14 group. These books follow the adventures of two friends in the town Ichygooney and they are never without numerous plans to crack you up. Plan A - read this book, Plan B - laugh, laugh, laugh, Plan C - read again.
10 year old boys can be a chore to raise. They are not a child and not yet a teen. They want to be both. They are daring and willing to try just about anything. If you can read this book with a 10 year old and listen to the comments. I don't have a 10 year old but my imagination ran wild while I read this. I could just picture them in the work shop coming up with some new adventure to try. A delightful read. Highly recommend it to adults. You might learn how boys think. Boys of any age should get a kick out of some of the dumb stunts they attempt.
Adventurous boys with time on their hands have always managed to fall out of trees, off the roof, or get chased by dogs but Matthew and William take the cake. By their own account they aren’t bad boys looking for trouble, they just have bad luck. William may not have an ACME account but he does draw diagrams of his schemes and has access to his father’s tool shed. And they own cellphones, tablets and laptops.
I really enjoyed reading the story behind the book. As a parent of a 10year old, sometimes I feel like what he is doing or how is reacting is abnormal but I was happy to find a story that describes 10years old boys who are always in trouble. The book can teach children to be mindful of their actions and to take responsibilities when they do awful things. It is both fun and interesting to read. Check it out!
Kids who loved Captain underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid will love this too. The antics are a little too wild and dangerous for my taste, but I would trust my child to read this and not be as naughty 😄. Very hilarious and fun. But please please please teach kids to call for help before taking photos when their friend is stuck hanging 20 feet from the ground 😂
This is a very entertaining book, perfect for boys aged 10 to 13. The stories reminds me of my son who is also very outdoorsy and adventurous. I don't know who is the naughtiest between William and Thomas but their creativity will certainly inspire young readers to spend more time outside rather than in front of their screens. I wished Thomas didn't have that habit of sharing pictures of his friend in those funny but rather embarrassing situation.
So people you just don't want as friends, but they are fun to be with
This book is humorous in a dark manner. My first thought was of Beaves and Butthead. These boys aren’t bad, but their creativity and imagination get them in trouble.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend parental supervision. There are a few things that could be dangerous if tried at home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There’s something about a dynamic duo that is persistent to do ridiculously entertaining acts for absolutely no reason other than to outdo the last one. With the gusto of 90s kid humour and quick-witted style reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy kid, it seems Mark Gunning had found a niche. I think 6-10 year-olds will thoroughly enjoy this book!
This book features six mischievous mishaps that best friends William and Thomas have gotten into together. Children will enjoy the relatable and humorous characters crafted in the stories. I decided to use this series for my students who struggle with reading. They love the stories so far and are motivated to read! Highly recommend this series!
Two best friends who get into mischief and different adventures. Children will like this book. There are funny drawings and messages. It is a book that will make them laugh but hopefully they won't learn to behave the same as the boys. Things don't go as they planned.
Troubled-Tens I was warned before I started the book. William and Thomas got into a lot of trouble and it started with a glider and a baseball and it was all fun from there. The toilet plunger and the bee had me giggling all the way. Grandmother Grunt and Harry were the best things that the two boys could have as friends. Enjoyable, adventurous book for children.
These two boys are full of plans. William is the one that comes up with a prank and an elaborate plan. Thomas goes along with it, but over and over William really pays for it. From getting over 30 bee stings to falling in dog poo, he suffers! Then he’s got a new plan! It’s a cute book and kids will love it.
Such a fun series of books for kids. Full of adventure but written in a capitulating and humorous way that will engage all children. The characters are likeable and relatable and the adventure provides great opportunities to explore themes around friendship, feelings and bravery too. I've read three of these books and loved everyone of them! A recommended read!
William and Thomas get themselves in all kinds of mischief and receive all kinds of punishment, but they still continue. Boys would particularly like this book, but hopefully wouldn’t try the pranks. Loved the stick figure drawings.
Boys will be boys! Reminded me of diary of a wimpy kid. A good read for older boys. All about the funny ,mischievous adventures of 2 friends. All done with text messages and illustrations. Different and engaging!
When I started reading this book I thought 'hm, it is not my cup of tea", but a story after story I've got caught and it made me laugh. It made my day, actually!:) I would recommend this book for boys.
Great little chapter book. Boys would even love this book. I know it’s hard to get middle reader boys to be interested in a book. This is a good one. Adventurous and love the killer bees!
If you ever need a laugh this is the book for you. These two boys had me tears from beginning to end. Its 4:20 am and laughing my head off in tears. these kids got Dennis the Menace and the Little Rascals beat.
This book is funny from the first page until the end. It brought me memories of my childhood adventures. I think young readers will be captivated by the adventures ofWilliam and Thomas. Highly recommended
This is the story of best friends William and Thomas, who fill their summer with fun stunts and adventures. This chapter book is certain to make kids laugh!
This book was a great read with a lot of parts that reminded me of all the crazy things boys do when they’re young. A very entertaining and funny book that kids will enjoy. I think I might get the paperback series for my boys.
Boys that like adventure will love this. A chapter story book that holds your attention about two young boys getting into mischief. Lovely ink drawings and supporting diagrams along the way.