Book Giveaway
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
Stephan Pastis, Author and Illustrator
Candlewick Entertainment, Media tie-in edition, Fiction, Mar. 3, 2020
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Detective Agency, Mistakes, Failure, Self-Confidence, Comics
Book Jacket Synopsis:
My names is Failure. Timmy Failure.
I am the founder, president, and CEO of the best detective agency in town, probably the nation.
The book you are holding is a historical record or my life as a detective. It has been rigorously fact-checked. All the drawings in here are by me. I tried to get my business partner to do the illustrations, but they were not good.
This book, and my life, are the inspiration for a new movie, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. It can been viewed on Disney +. It’s true. Now, in addition to being the best detective in town, probably the nation, I am also a movie star. My greatness knows no bounds.
Why I like this book:
Cartoonist Stephan Pastis brings back his boastful and overly confident Timmy Failure in this hilarious specialbook for fans. Pastis’s comedic timing is brilliant. You’ll have to admit that 11-year-old Timmy is an adorable character who is clueless about his lack of skills and his failures, but lovable all the same. Then add his imaginary and lazy business partner, Total, a 1500-pound polar bear who spends most of his time gorging on trash, and what you end up with is Total Failure Inc.
The narrative is first person TIMMY and is witty, sarcastic and entertaining. His last name was once Fayleure, but someone changed it to Failure. He certainly lives up to his name.
“I am the soon-to-be head of multi-billion-dollar employer of thousands who made it big by adhering to one simple credo: Greatness.
I am a detective without peer.
A visionary without limits.
A pioneer of tomorrow who only challenge now is to remain humble.”
The truth is that Timmy is totally bored in school and his teacher’s and other students don’t understand him or his rich fantasy life, which leads him to a lot of trouble at school and home. Timmy is socially inept in his interactions with other characters — Weevil Bun, Rollo Tookus, and Jimmy Weber. And then there is his arch nemesis, Corrina Corrina (aka The Beast) who is smart, tutors other students and has her own successful detective agency. And Timmy does not lose a client to Corrinna Corrina. Fortunately for Timmy, he does have a mother and other adults who do care about him.
Readers won’t be disappointed in their unforgettable and favorite hero. He succeeds to fail at everything, but he does so with charm and pride. Pastis’s black and white comic illustrations adorn every page and will leave readers roaring with laughter. And the fact his unorthodox story of failure has elevated him to stardom, shows Timmy’s brand of detective work is heartwarming to his fans.
Resources: You can’t fail to have fun at Timmy Failure’s website. Check it out!
Book Giveaway: In order to participate and win a copy of Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, leave a comment below by April 26! Tell me if you’ve read the other books in the series and which one is your favorite. Or tell me if you are new to this series and would love a chance to win a copy. You must live with the US or Canada to participate.
Stephan Pastis is a New York Times best-selling adult author of Larry in Wonderland and Pearls Before Swine. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is his first book for young readers, and is followed by Timmy Failure: Now Look What You’ve Done and Timmy Failure: We Meet Again. He lives in northern California.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Review copy provided fee by the publisher in exchange for a review.
I LOVE the concept of this book and would love to win a copy. I do have a Canadian address where a certain special someone lives, who would so enjoy this book. I hope I win. Besides that, it is a great review.
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The book is hilarious! You are entered.
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This looks adorable. So fun for kids!
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Kids do love this series. It reminds me of The Whimpy Kid series.
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This sounds like a fun book, Patricia. I’ll check out the website. I’m sorry I can’t enter to win. 🙂
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It is a fun read for kids who love humor in books.
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We can all do with a bit more humour I think and, with World Laughter Day coming up on 3 March, it’s perfectly timed.
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Yes, humor is the best medicine right now! Didn’t know there was a World Laughter Day. I think you mean May 3 — my birthday!
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Oops, sorry. Yes, I did mean May 3. Happy birthday! I hope you have lots of laughs. 🙂
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Hi Pat,
Did you know that Stephan Pastis has been accused of sexual misconduct? My son used to love his books but now I can’t support him: https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2018/07/sexual-misconduct-in-childrens-book-publishing-metoo-timesup/
Most of these men who have been accused of sexual misconduct in the children’s book publishing industry have received a pass because they are independent freelancers rather than employees of a company. And, because a whole slew were revealed at the same time, nearly everyone has simply laid low to wait it out. I have heard from a few of the victims and if there are truly no repercussions, you can expect this type of behavior to reoccur.
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Well, I do now. I didn’t know the author or his work at the time of your post two years ago, so his name didn’t register with me. Thank you for your comments and the link to your post.
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This sounds really interesting, and Timmy’s voice shines through. I’ve got a lot of books to read right now so I’ll let someone else win.
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I know the feeling Natalie. I heard from many that the Diseny+ movie is outstanding.
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This series was such a fun read, and it’s great that it’s been adapted into a movie as well! I’ll pass on the giveaway, since I already have a copy of this book, but thanks for the great review!
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I’ve heard that the movie is very well done! Happy you enjoyed the series. Thanksfor stopping.
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This sounds like a fun book. I’ll have to check out the adaption as well.
I love the idea of a polar bear sidekick!
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Total is quite the character — you fall in love with this imaginary bear!
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I am familiar with the book and series because it has gotten reluctant readers to actually like reading. Enjoyable characters led by Timmy and his often astute observations. Thanks for featuring on MMGM. I’ll back away from the giveaway and let someone else take the prize.
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I thought about it being a good book for reluctant readers. Glad you enjoyed the series.
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This book sounds so funny. I have two of the books in the series in my school library and it sounds like I need to borrow them. I would love to win a copy of this book- I know my students will enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m sure your students will enjoy Timmy Failure. What fun discussions!
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I really liked this book too. No need for me to be in the giveaway. I have already read it. Thanks for your thoughts.
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Yes, I remember that you reviewed it! It is a fun book!
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