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Timmy Failure #0.5
Timmy Failure: Zero to Hero-Timmy Failure Prequel
The prequel to the New York Times best-selling series that's now a movie on Disney+!
Timmy Failure is not just any detective-he is the greatest detective in his town, perhaps the nation. He is so famous that there have been seven books written about his life. Plus a movie. And so he has agreed to provide the world with his extraordinary origin story, as dictated to his biographer and best friend, Charles Rollo" Tookus.
New York Times best-selling author Stephan Pastis is back with the hilariously heartwarming tale of how it all started for our favorite clueless detective-including how he got that red scarf!
"
Timmy Failure is not just any detective-he is the greatest detective in his town, perhaps the nation. He is so famous that there have been seven books written about his life. Plus a movie. And so he has agreed to provide the world with his extraordinary origin story, as dictated to his biographer and best friend, Charles Rollo" Tookus.
New York Times best-selling author Stephan Pastis is back with the hilariously heartwarming tale of how it all started for our favorite clueless detective-including how he got that red scarf!
"
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
24 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Pastis
135 books440 followersStephan Pastis was born in 1968 and raised in San Marino, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1989 with a degree in political science. Although he had always wanted to be a syndicated cartoonist, Pastis realized that the odds of syndication were slim, so he entered UCLA Law School in 1990 and became an attorney instead. He practiced law in the San Francisco Bay area from 1993 to 2002. While an attorney, he began submitting various comic strip concepts to all of the syndicates, and, like virtually all beginning cartoonists, got his fair share of rejection slips. Then, in 1997, he began drawing Pearls Before Swine, which he submitted to the syndicates in mid-1999. In December, 1999, he signed a contract with United.
Pearls Before Swine debuted in newspapers in January, 2002, and Pastis left his law practice in August of that year. Pearls Before Swine was nominated in 2003, 2004 and 2007 as "Best Newspaper Comic Strip" by the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) and won the award in 2004 and 2007. Pastis lives with his family in Northern California.
Pearls Before Swine debuted in newspapers in January, 2002, and Pastis left his law practice in August of that year. Pearls Before Swine was nominated in 2003, 2004 and 2007 as "Best Newspaper Comic Strip" by the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) and won the award in 2004 and 2007. Pastis lives with his family in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 14, 2022
3 out of 10
I'm a BIG FAN of the Timmy Failure series, and when I saw this one at the library, I was excited to read it.
This book is the origin story of the Timmy Failure series. Which inherently isn't the worst idea, but the execution was far off from the original. All of the charm that was within the previous books in the series is gone. Although the art is nice as always, all of the witty dialogue, charm, and wacky situations that the series is known for, were not captured in the same matter in this book.
The humor didn't stick with me in this book. The series before then was laugh-out-loud material, but this book was massively unfunny. I couldn't get myself to care for Timmy Failure as a character in this book. Also, Timmy's vast vocabulary wasn't as much of a show in this book.
It also seems that this book was only made because there was a movie adaptation. I assume that the author was on a big deadline to try to release the book in time for the movie, so I don't blame the author, but that doesn't change the fact that this book didn't capture the energy of the other books. I think a better move, would be to do a reprint of the first book with the screenshots from the movie on the front cover. That's what most book-to-movie adaptations do, and I think this would've been a good idea for this one as well, although I'm unsure if the movie closely resembles the first book.
Overall, this book was a letdown. I didn't enjoy it at all. Although the art was well done and I'm sure that this would satisfy a younger reader of the series, it doesn't change the fact that this book didn't capture the nature of the other books in the series. Maybe if this was your first Timmy Failure read, you'd enjoy it more, (or if you're a younger fan) but I'd recommend just starting at book one. The backstory of Timmy Failure was explained well enough by the actual series, there is no need for this book, and I also felt that this book contradicted some things within the series. If you're an older fan of the series, then I'd recommend skipping this one. I did not like this, I was really disappointed.
I'm a BIG FAN of the Timmy Failure series, and when I saw this one at the library, I was excited to read it.
This book is the origin story of the Timmy Failure series. Which inherently isn't the worst idea, but the execution was far off from the original. All of the charm that was within the previous books in the series is gone. Although the art is nice as always, all of the witty dialogue, charm, and wacky situations that the series is known for, were not captured in the same matter in this book.
The humor didn't stick with me in this book. The series before then was laugh-out-loud material, but this book was massively unfunny. I couldn't get myself to care for Timmy Failure as a character in this book. Also, Timmy's vast vocabulary wasn't as much of a show in this book.
It also seems that this book was only made because there was a movie adaptation. I assume that the author was on a big deadline to try to release the book in time for the movie, so I don't blame the author, but that doesn't change the fact that this book didn't capture the energy of the other books. I think a better move, would be to do a reprint of the first book with the screenshots from the movie on the front cover. That's what most book-to-movie adaptations do, and I think this would've been a good idea for this one as well, although I'm unsure if the movie closely resembles the first book.
Overall, this book was a letdown. I didn't enjoy it at all. Although the art was well done and I'm sure that this would satisfy a younger reader of the series, it doesn't change the fact that this book didn't capture the nature of the other books in the series. Maybe if this was your first Timmy Failure read, you'd enjoy it more, (or if you're a younger fan) but I'd recommend just starting at book one. The backstory of Timmy Failure was explained well enough by the actual series, there is no need for this book, and I also felt that this book contradicted some things within the series. If you're an older fan of the series, then I'd recommend skipping this one. I did not like this, I was really disappointed.
April 30, 2020
Timmy continues to dish out hilarity in abundance in this prequel story thanks to the grossly talented mastermind behind the text and illustrations of the the series Stephan Pastis.
February 3, 2023
Timmy is back (in time)! This is a funny, heartwarming and entertainingly informative prequel to Timmy's series. We are introduced to our beloved characters and there are also some parts where I actually teared up. Not to spoil anything, but some origins of Timmy's trademark look are, well, quite emotional. Just lovely, goofy and Totally Timmylike!
February 6, 2023
This review may contain spoilers
This was a pretty good book. Not as good as the others. I don’t think they really need to make this book. Honestly the series pretty much tells us his back story anyways. I know they made this book for the movie (not that this reassembles the movie anyways ngl). 7/10. People always compare this book to the others but it’s still oa good book. My favourite part is when Wendy comes into the bathroom and surprises Timmy.
This was a pretty good book. Not as good as the others. I don’t think they really need to make this book. Honestly the series pretty much tells us his back story anyways. I know they made this book for the movie (not that this reassembles the movie anyways ngl). 7/10. People always compare this book to the others but it’s still oa good book. My favourite part is when Wendy comes into the bathroom and surprises Timmy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
Can't go wrong with Timmy Failure. Loved this little origin story.
September 30, 2022
This is the prequel to the Timmy Failure series. Timmy first opens his detective agency to solve who stole his shirt. We get an introduction to all the key players in the series.
March 5, 2024
Confirmed that I still love Timmy Failure, even in his origin story; aside from that it was nice to learn where the scarf came from. Among other things.
June 3, 2024
This book is pure hilarious! Timmy Failure is the funniest detective I've ever read! All of his mysteries are made by him, so no one cares about any of his cases. I love the arguments he has with Rollo. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series.
July 12, 2022
It's sadly the worst one but i still like it 😊 8/10
January 11, 2025
Prequel to the hugely popular Timmy Failure series. This fills in the background about how Timmy begins his detective agency and finds his polar bear partner. Characters I enjoyed included the big burly librarian, Timmy’s solo mum (doing her best) and the salon/secret agency. The dual narration was a bit clunky at times but I appreciated the footnotes. A fun read, although other reviewers seem to prefer the original books.
November 12, 2023
This was an okay book. I’d say middle school aged as there’s mention of whiskey and booze. Some of the detective jokes may be missed by younger readers.
If you enjoy diary of a wimpy kid, you will enjoy this series. The other reviews state that the prequel is not as good as the regular series. I haven’t read any other Timmy Failure books, so I can not attest to this.
If you enjoy diary of a wimpy kid, you will enjoy this series. The other reviews state that the prequel is not as good as the regular series. I haven’t read any other Timmy Failure books, so I can not attest to this.
January 9, 2024
Such a silly little book. So great, so underrated. I really like this origin of the amazing Timmy Failure. One thing was missing though, TIMMY FAILURE DIDN’T SAY THE TITLE OF THE BOOK. IN ALL THE OTHER BOOKS HE SAYS THE TITLE OF THE BOOK. Why Stephan Pastis, why didn’t he say the title of the book in this one? 4/5 stars.
June 17, 2024
This book is amazing and funny, and I definitely recommend it to all GoodReaders. breaks his wall and also He also says he won the
August 7, 2020
My twins are super sad to see this series end - we will miss the misadventures of Timmy Failure.
August 29, 2020
Absolutely hysterical! Loved it!
September 4, 2020
Fun and a little more solid in characterizations than some of the earlier books.
January 18, 2021
Love all TF books with my entire heart.
April 19, 2021
I am 54 years old and I love this series! It is so cute, funny and heart warming.
April 12, 2022
Hilarious, as always.
May 1, 2022
Cute book, I enjoyed reading this book. Timmy had these cute moments that I can imagine a a little boy with his snarky comments. It’s not my usual read but still good for kids around 3rd grade.
June 22, 2022
Children's. prequel to the series.
July 20, 2022
As always, it’s good to laugh.
November 14, 2023
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H h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h k d and h h a to the rest the family of
H h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h k d and h h a to the rest the family of
March 27, 2025
This book was hilarious and fun. My son loved it, and I loved the jokes and the complex vocabulary which made for great teachable moments for me and my son.
July 14, 2024
A fun, silly book that children will enjoy reading, which is the biggest win to get kids reading.
Timmy Failure has a great imagination and uses it to create a detective agency and solve the crimes in his town. He uses his detective skills to find out who stole his favorite shirt and from there he solves all crimes he comes across. Timmy is so famous there are multiple books about his life and even a movie! Now, Timmy gives us an inside look at to how he became the greatest detective in the world.
I read this book after my son started enjoying them to see what he was reading and be able to talk about it with him. With all that is out in the world, it is important to read and be involved in all our kids’ encounters. This book is silly, somewhat stupid at times but doesn’t have any of the “agenda” so many try to put in shows and books. I was happy reading this and finding out that it was an okay series for my kids to read. I was able to read it in a single day and can talk to him about the characters and storyline. On Amazon this is a “Teacher’s pick,” I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as the best pick for kids for the reason that it is a bit stupid and annoying but the fact that it doesn’t have any of the other things, I would consider inappropriate makes it worth the read. This is a good book for young readers to pick up and just enjoy reading.
Timmy Failure has a great imagination and uses it to create a detective agency and solve the crimes in his town. He uses his detective skills to find out who stole his favorite shirt and from there he solves all crimes he comes across. Timmy is so famous there are multiple books about his life and even a movie! Now, Timmy gives us an inside look at to how he became the greatest detective in the world.
I read this book after my son started enjoying them to see what he was reading and be able to talk about it with him. With all that is out in the world, it is important to read and be involved in all our kids’ encounters. This book is silly, somewhat stupid at times but doesn’t have any of the “agenda” so many try to put in shows and books. I was happy reading this and finding out that it was an okay series for my kids to read. I was able to read it in a single day and can talk to him about the characters and storyline. On Amazon this is a “Teacher’s pick,” I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as the best pick for kids for the reason that it is a bit stupid and annoying but the fact that it doesn’t have any of the other things, I would consider inappropriate makes it worth the read. This is a good book for young readers to pick up and just enjoy reading.
February 22, 2021
It's a prequel
October 2, 2023
we all think this book is very funny and read it outloud to each other. Thanks to the children's librarian at my kids school who read an excerpt to the 4th graders.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews