Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Chronicle Books (2012), Hardcover, 232 pages
Description
Juvenile Fiction. Mystery. HTML:This special edition of The Templeton Twins Have an Idea: Book One also includes a sneak preview of The Templeton Twins Make a Scene: Book Two and a Q&A with the author. Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins�??adults�??named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member tapestry100
This was a cute and clever quick little read. I'd place this somewhere between A Series of Unfortunate Events (which I certainly liked) and The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch (which I distinctly did not). It's not surprising then that this book fell somewhere in between as far as
When their father is accused of stealing an idea that is used in his latest invention, the Twins find themselves in some very precarious predicaments (hence the Unfortunate Events vibe) and then they go on an adventure to try to prove their father's innocence (where Pseudonymous Bosch vibe comes from). Needless to say, precarious predicaments that the Twins find themselves in are wildly unbelievable and the adventures are fun, but for me at least, the book just lacked a certain something. Of course, there's also the fact that I'm not the target age for this particular book, but I do think my younger self would have loved this book. The adult me can appreciate the work that is put into the overall packaging though, since the book is quite nicely presented. Let your younger ones have a go at this, as I think it will appeal to them immensely.
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my enjoying it. One thing that this book has going for it, above and beyond its story is the actual look of the book. Everything in the book is printed in a blue tone, almost giving the book the feeling of blueprints, which is apropos given the Twins' father is an inventor of some renown and the Twins like to pride themselves of coming up with ideas of their own.When their father is accused of stealing an idea that is used in his latest invention, the Twins find themselves in some very precarious predicaments (hence the Unfortunate Events vibe) and then they go on an adventure to try to prove their father's innocence (where Pseudonymous Bosch vibe comes from). Needless to say, precarious predicaments that the Twins find themselves in are wildly unbelievable and the adventures are fun, but for me at least, the book just lacked a certain something. Of course, there's also the fact that I'm not the target age for this particular book, but I do think my younger self would have loved this book. The adult me can appreciate the work that is put into the overall packaging though, since the book is quite nicely presented. Let your younger ones have a go at this, as I think it will appeal to them immensely.
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LibraryThing member Dranea
HHHMMM... I'm not sure where to begin. I'm not sure how to give a star rating. This was a cute book. I like quirky, and it was that. You can tell from the narrator that the author was truly inspired by the Series of Unfortunate events. This narrator however, seemed a bit... hateful.
I was also
To be fair, it was fun, and while I think younger readers who enjoy books a bit off the beaten track will enjoy this, I think that many of us adults who enjoy this type of literature will be a bit let down.
I was also
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hoping the children would be a little more interesting, but I think much of their glory was stolen by the narrator's voice. It seemed to overshadow everything else int he book and really interrupted the story too much. Also, since the story seemed to be Snickett inspired, I guess I expected it to be a bit more quirky than what it was. To be fair, it was fun, and while I think younger readers who enjoy books a bit off the beaten track will enjoy this, I think that many of us adults who enjoy this type of literature will be a bit let down.
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LibraryThing member bibliovermis
This book was hard to get through. I'm normally a fan of asides from a narrator, but in this book things got out of hand. The narration became really tedious—it seemed like the narrator was trying to fill as much space as possible with useless chatter and long, unnecessary explanations of
The pictures were really great, though.
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perfectly understandable events. I kept rolling my eyes and murmuring, "show, don't tell!"The pictures were really great, though.
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LibraryThing member SebastianHagelstein
This is probably the only book I've read that has a recipe for meatloaf, three prologues, and humorous questions for review at the end of each chapter.
John and Abigail Templeton live with their father. He's the inventor of the battery powered toothpick and the personal one-man helicopter, among
This is a humorous story written in a style similiar to the Lemony Snicket books. The narrator talks directly to the reader and claims to be telling the story against their will.
There are a lot of illustrations scattered throughout the book.
John and Abigail Templeton live with their father. He's the inventor of the battery powered toothpick and the personal one-man helicopter, among
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others. A former student who claims Professor Templeton stole one of his ideas kidnaps the twins in a scheme to get full credit. They then have to use their cleverness to foil the plot and save their family.This is a humorous story written in a style similiar to the Lemony Snicket books. The narrator talks directly to the reader and claims to be telling the story against their will.
There are a lot of illustrations scattered throughout the book.
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LibraryThing member keristars
If you like books about clever children who foil villains, books with narrators who have quite distinct personalities of their own, and recipes for meatloaf, you'll enjoy The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, the first book in a promised series of stories about the Templeton family (twins Abigail and
The book is quite suitable for the middle grade reader, one who already has some confidence in reading. The narrator often addresses the reader with (rhetorical) questions or to comment on the plot, which invites the reader to think critically about the story-telling techniques. The narrator also introduces new vocabulary and concepts and explains them, and in the sort of obvious and over the top way that makes it funny for both those who are already familiar with the words and those who haven't encountered them before.
As an adult reader, I really enjoyed the book. It was funny and fun, and I liked trying to figure out what would happen next based on clues the narrator leaves. The book is printed to resemble a blueprint in many places, which I thought was really cool - plus, the dark blue text was easy on the eyes! Some pages are white while others have the blue tinge of carbon copies, and some are outright blue with white text and illustrations. In fact, there are a lot of illustrations throughout the book - even inside the text itself (such as portions of dialogue being written in white on blue speech bubbles, or onomotapoeia being drawn out in a suitable style). I feel like the illustrations not only add to the whimsy of the book, but make it friendlier for the younger readers.
That the narrator talks directly to the reader and can be a bit arrogant and sarcastic might not be appealing to everyone, or could be confusing to some. But I thought it was funny and made an otherwise fairly standard story much more interesting. I'd say that the book is in the same family as the Series of Unfortunate Events, but softer and for younger readers. I'd also liken it to The Stinky Cheese-Man, and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, but in chapter-book form instead of picture-book form.
I have a 7-year-old nephew that I will pass my ARC to. He's not a very strong reader, as English is his second language, but he loves to read and really enjoys books like The Templeton Twins Have an Idea. I think he'll really like it, though he may need help with some words. It would be the perfect book for him to read with his parents at bed-time, though.
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John, 12, inventor father Elton, and ridiculous dog Cassie).The book is quite suitable for the middle grade reader, one who already has some confidence in reading. The narrator often addresses the reader with (rhetorical) questions or to comment on the plot, which invites the reader to think critically about the story-telling techniques. The narrator also introduces new vocabulary and concepts and explains them, and in the sort of obvious and over the top way that makes it funny for both those who are already familiar with the words and those who haven't encountered them before.
As an adult reader, I really enjoyed the book. It was funny and fun, and I liked trying to figure out what would happen next based on clues the narrator leaves. The book is printed to resemble a blueprint in many places, which I thought was really cool - plus, the dark blue text was easy on the eyes! Some pages are white while others have the blue tinge of carbon copies, and some are outright blue with white text and illustrations. In fact, there are a lot of illustrations throughout the book - even inside the text itself (such as portions of dialogue being written in white on blue speech bubbles, or onomotapoeia being drawn out in a suitable style). I feel like the illustrations not only add to the whimsy of the book, but make it friendlier for the younger readers.
That the narrator talks directly to the reader and can be a bit arrogant and sarcastic might not be appealing to everyone, or could be confusing to some. But I thought it was funny and made an otherwise fairly standard story much more interesting. I'd say that the book is in the same family as the Series of Unfortunate Events, but softer and for younger readers. I'd also liken it to The Stinky Cheese-Man, and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, but in chapter-book form instead of picture-book form.
I have a 7-year-old nephew that I will pass my ARC to. He's not a very strong reader, as English is his second language, but he loves to read and really enjoys books like The Templeton Twins Have an Idea. I think he'll really like it, though he may need help with some words. It would be the perfect book for him to read with his parents at bed-time, though.
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LibraryThing member stined
Oh, my. Do you like it when you are constantly interrupted? I don't like it either and this book contains one interruption after another. The story is great if you can get past all the silliness. I expected the twins to be a little smarter and the father to be a little more 'mad'. I really hated to
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like this book and I would really like to hate it, but the truth is that neither is true. I found it interesting in a very weird sort if way. So if you purchase this book, just beware of the Deans. Show Less
LibraryThing member shabacus
This book was precisely what I was hoping "A Series of Unfortunate Events could have been." There is less of a sense of overwhelming despair throughout. The cleverness of the children is grounded closer to real-world physics that cartoon physics, and as a result their plans are much more satisfying
I was impressed at how mature some of the themes were. One such theme was the difference between having an idea and doing something with it, a concept that many adults cannot seem to grasp.
The narrator was a character in his own right, and his pompous antics gave the story a great texture. He spent a little too long at the beginning before the story got started, but the humor in those passages was such that kids would likely enjoy it.
This is a book that I would be happy to give to my kids to read, and one that will sit proudly on my bookshelves until they do.
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when they pay off. The villains managed to be threatening and non-threatening at the same time, if that makes sense. The threat they posed was real, yet I never had any real fear for the protagonists, which makes this a good choice for younger readers.I was impressed at how mature some of the themes were. One such theme was the difference between having an idea and doing something with it, a concept that many adults cannot seem to grasp.
The narrator was a character in his own right, and his pompous antics gave the story a great texture. He spent a little too long at the beginning before the story got started, but the humor in those passages was such that kids would likely enjoy it.
This is a book that I would be happy to give to my kids to read, and one that will sit proudly on my bookshelves until they do.
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LibraryThing member aya.herron
Fraternal twins John and Abigail Templeton are in for an adventure when their father, Professor Elton Templeton, takes a new position at the Tickeridge-Baltock Institute of Technology, otherwise known as Tick-Tock Tech. Before the Templetons and their ridiculous dog, Cassie, even have a chance to
Now the Professor is known far and wide for his inventions, so no one believes Dean D. Dean's claim. In order to force the Professor to admit that he stole the idea to put the Personal One-Man Helicopter (POMH) in a knapsack, Dean and his twin brother Dan D. Dean kidnap the twins and their ridiculous dog. However, the Dean twins may have underestimated the Templeton twins. You see, each Templeton twin is very clever in their own way. However, John and Abigail must find a way to work together to outwit the evil Dean twins and save their father before he signs over all ownership of the POMH to Dean D. Dean. Unfortunately, with time running out, it doesn't look good for the twins, their father, or their ridiculous dog.
The Bottom Line: After a slow start, "The Templeton Twins Have an Idea" really took off. This book is a little different from others due to the narrator who injects himself into the story quite often. At times the narrator is a bit too snarky and "talked" to the reader just a tad too much. However, the narrator does play a role in explaining things along the way. The narrator also provides Questions for Review at the end of each chapter; these "questions" were hilarious and fun.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first book of this new adventure series. The author's emphasis on family, teamwork, and following through with ideas make this a worthwhile read. Additionally, Jeremy Holmes' illustrations were spot-on and fun to look at. This is a nicely packaged product that is humorous and fun to read. Kids in middle school will enjoy the snarky commentary. Recommended for boys and girls looking for a quirky new series to follow.
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settle in, things get interesting when an incredibly handsome former student, Dean D. Dean, accuses the Professor of stealing an idea.Now the Professor is known far and wide for his inventions, so no one believes Dean D. Dean's claim. In order to force the Professor to admit that he stole the idea to put the Personal One-Man Helicopter (POMH) in a knapsack, Dean and his twin brother Dan D. Dean kidnap the twins and their ridiculous dog. However, the Dean twins may have underestimated the Templeton twins. You see, each Templeton twin is very clever in their own way. However, John and Abigail must find a way to work together to outwit the evil Dean twins and save their father before he signs over all ownership of the POMH to Dean D. Dean. Unfortunately, with time running out, it doesn't look good for the twins, their father, or their ridiculous dog.
The Bottom Line: After a slow start, "The Templeton Twins Have an Idea" really took off. This book is a little different from others due to the narrator who injects himself into the story quite often. At times the narrator is a bit too snarky and "talked" to the reader just a tad too much. However, the narrator does play a role in explaining things along the way. The narrator also provides Questions for Review at the end of each chapter; these "questions" were hilarious and fun.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first book of this new adventure series. The author's emphasis on family, teamwork, and following through with ideas make this a worthwhile read. Additionally, Jeremy Holmes' illustrations were spot-on and fun to look at. This is a nicely packaged product that is humorous and fun to read. Kids in middle school will enjoy the snarky commentary. Recommended for boys and girls looking for a quirky new series to follow.
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LibraryThing member aethercowboy
In the Templeton Twins Have an Idea, the reader is introduced to two resourceful half-orphans named John and Abigail Templeton. After the recent demise of their mother, their absent-minded inventor of a father relocates them from their current home near Elyssian University to the clockwork school
Ellis Weiner, adopting a personae of The Narrator, presents a story that is as amusing to read as I imagine it was for him to write. The Narrator is completely sarcastic and completely full of himself, and ensures that the reader is constantly aware of this as he tells this, the first promised tale of the Templeton Twins. He even makes this clear through the end-of-chapter review questions, most of which not being questions at all, but rather condescending statements followed by question marks.
It’s obvious, the influence such fiction as Lemony Snicket had on this book. Fortunately, the influence is only a light flavor, and not a substantial aspect of the work as a whole. While Snicket is a coward and placating, The Narrator showboats and condescends. There is enough unique stuff in this book to set it apart from its clear inspiration. Aside from the voice, there are rampant illustrations that, at times, seem to double as schematics, giving the whole book the feeling of a blueprint (complete with blue ink used throughout).
If you go into this book expecting a pleasant Snicket alternative, you may be disappointed; however, if, like with other Snicket-inspired works, you approach them without those expectations, you may find that you’ll be pleasantly surprised, at least long enough for the next Snicket book to be released.
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of Tick-Tock Tech, they encounter what is best described as a sour grape named Dean D. Dean, who insists that their father stole one of his inventions, and will stop at nothing to make things right in his own skewed world view.Ellis Weiner, adopting a personae of The Narrator, presents a story that is as amusing to read as I imagine it was for him to write. The Narrator is completely sarcastic and completely full of himself, and ensures that the reader is constantly aware of this as he tells this, the first promised tale of the Templeton Twins. He even makes this clear through the end-of-chapter review questions, most of which not being questions at all, but rather condescending statements followed by question marks.
It’s obvious, the influence such fiction as Lemony Snicket had on this book. Fortunately, the influence is only a light flavor, and not a substantial aspect of the work as a whole. While Snicket is a coward and placating, The Narrator showboats and condescends. There is enough unique stuff in this book to set it apart from its clear inspiration. Aside from the voice, there are rampant illustrations that, at times, seem to double as schematics, giving the whole book the feeling of a blueprint (complete with blue ink used throughout).
If you go into this book expecting a pleasant Snicket alternative, you may be disappointed; however, if, like with other Snicket-inspired works, you approach them without those expectations, you may find that you’ll be pleasantly surprised, at least long enough for the next Snicket book to be released.
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LibraryThing member innermurk
This book has a fun and interesting look, and the storyline and characters match!
It is clear that there is an influence of Lemony Snickett in this narrator, although this one is much less likeable, more condescending and completely annoying most of the time. The Narrator is constantly interrupting
The twins are very likeable and believeable children, and the grown-up characters are all just silly enough to allow the children to be the heroes of their own adventure. It was quite a fun read and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
It is clear that there is an influence of Lemony Snickett in this narrator, although this one is much less likeable, more condescending and completely annoying most of the time. The Narrator is constantly interrupting
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the story, most of the time to point out how smart he is and how dumb the reader is, which is the annoying part. There are review questions at the end of each chapter that are quite funny. The storyline itself, if one can get past the narrator, is charming and fun, as are all the technical drawing illustrations. They compliment each other quite well, and the illustrations really add to the storyline. Ultimately I think fans of Lemony Snickett will like these books as well.The twins are very likeable and believeable children, and the grown-up characters are all just silly enough to allow the children to be the heroes of their own adventure. It was quite a fun read and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
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LibraryThing member HeatherHomeschooler
I liked this story. I really did, but I had a hard time reading it. Interruptions, although sometimes humorous, detracted from the original story. The twins in the story are kidnapped and have to work together to get out of the situation. Great illustrations, and I did like the quizzes at the end
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of the chapters. Overall, a fun, quirky book, if you can get past the narrator. Show Less
LibraryThing member kehagen1
Overall, as a book, I enjoyed reading The Templeton Twins Have an Idea: Book One. It reminded me of the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The writing style was similar, and the interruptions by the narrator were alike. But, because I found the Snicket series as being fantastic reads,
I loved the random bits and pieces the book had to offer though, including the humorous "Questions for Review" and the recipe for meatloaf. These pieces helped the book in it's individuality--for instance, I know that I'll remember this book in a year by remembering the recipe and the random inventions the professor created.
I am though, looking forward to the next book--this book left a reader hanging, but not in a way that the reader is upset about it's abrupt stop, but rather in the way that the reader is excited for the next book and for the new adventures that it will hold.
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I had high expectations for this book. The story itself was well-written and appeals completely to a middle-school aged audience. My major criticism is the narrator's role. I enjoyed the funny intermissions provided by the narrator, but I feel that most of the story consisted of the narrator preparing the reader for what will happen next. I know that when I was at this age-range, I was able to read and infer what would happen next, without someone else telling me what will happen. Therefore, I think the narrator's participation in the story should be a bit more limited. I loved the random bits and pieces the book had to offer though, including the humorous "Questions for Review" and the recipe for meatloaf. These pieces helped the book in it's individuality--for instance, I know that I'll remember this book in a year by remembering the recipe and the random inventions the professor created.
I am though, looking forward to the next book--this book left a reader hanging, but not in a way that the reader is upset about it's abrupt stop, but rather in the way that the reader is excited for the next book and for the new adventures that it will hold.
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LibraryThing member takieya
I was supposed to be getting a copy of this book as an early reviewer, but my copy didn't arrive. I still hope to pick it up if my copy doesn't surface, as it looks like an entertaining series for kids, and working in the environment that I do, that's always appreciated.
LibraryThing member catherinea
A funny, fast-paced read with likeable twin main characters and a Lemony Snicket-style narrator. Mystery, puzzles, adventures and out-smarting the bad guys make this an enjoyable start to a new series. Kids will eagerly await the future adventures of Abby and John.
LibraryThing member eggsnhm
This was a delightful book, in the vein of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. While I was quite pleased by many of the narrative side-comments (particularly the recipe for meatloaf and the discussion of why the Swiss Army needs a knife with an Allen wrench attachment), the narrative
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voice does dominate, and the story about the Templeton Twins seems to be a vehicle for the Narrator, rather than the central purpose of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member skstiles612
I loved this book and I think my students will love it as much as I did. In an age where we test our students to death, any book that throws jabs at testing is going to be loved. The narrator in this story reminded me of the narrator in "A Series of Unfortunate Events", one of my favorite series.
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John and Abigail are the children of an inventor. Their mother is dead. They are kidnapped by another set of twins. The "evil twins", Dean and Dan want an invention their father have created. They got the bright idea of getting their hands on it by kidnapping Abigail and John. They didn't really know what they were getting themselves into by kidnapping these two kids. You'll have to read the book to see what I mean. The book also contains questions "for review" at the end of each chapter. They contain clues to help you as well as letting you KNOW how great the narrator is. This seems to be a recurring theme throughout the book. I have to say he was my favorite character. This is a terrific middle grad book and one I can't wait to put on my shelves at school. Show Less
LibraryThing member molliekay
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea is presented by a hilariously snarky narrator. For adults, this biting wit can be a bit too much at times, almost taking away from the story. This overseer got in the way of the story and prevented the characters from having any depth. Children, however, will love
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the commentary and side notes that accompany this silly and simple story. Show Less
LibraryThing member msjessie
A quick read and one sure to be enjoyed by its target audience, The Templeton Twins Have An Idea is a fun-filled, goofy and cheeky adventure where children ultimately get to save the day and themselves. John and Abigail are dynamic middle-grade protagonists: feisty, smart and capable. With an
A silly tone from the outset gets things going and author Ellis Weiner clearly used his imagination to make this as engaging for younger children as it could be. A little bit of wit, a little bit of snark and a lot of character help to make The Templeton Twins one novel not to be missed for those looking for a slightly interactive and fully original novel for their kids to enjoy. The tongue-in-cheek tone allows for amusement across the board as a 20-something reader I wasn't above the good-cheer influence of this cheeky and fun novel. Illustrator Jeremy Holmes art (and sketches for the ARC) catch the mood of the middle-grade novel perfectly: a little odd, very distinct and wholly eye-catching, his work definitely adds an extra element of personality to The Templeton Twins Have An Idea.
Simple and easy, this is the perfect fit for its genre. A little bit of mystery and childish ingenuity can go far as the author/illustrator pair behind this can attest. Antagonists Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean provide humorous and likely foils for the intrepid Templeton kids and the engaging read is worth it from start to completion.
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involved and fourth-wall-breaking narrator, their Ridiculous Dog and their own wits, the two twins partake in an escapade that gives the reader ample opportunities to laugh, solve puzzles or even jot down a new recipe for meatloaf. The first in a forthcoming series, this breezy lighthearted children's romp is inventive, interactive and an original ride.A silly tone from the outset gets things going and author Ellis Weiner clearly used his imagination to make this as engaging for younger children as it could be. A little bit of wit, a little bit of snark and a lot of character help to make The Templeton Twins one novel not to be missed for those looking for a slightly interactive and fully original novel for their kids to enjoy. The tongue-in-cheek tone allows for amusement across the board as a 20-something reader I wasn't above the good-cheer influence of this cheeky and fun novel. Illustrator Jeremy Holmes art (and sketches for the ARC) catch the mood of the middle-grade novel perfectly: a little odd, very distinct and wholly eye-catching, his work definitely adds an extra element of personality to The Templeton Twins Have An Idea.
Simple and easy, this is the perfect fit for its genre. A little bit of mystery and childish ingenuity can go far as the author/illustrator pair behind this can attest. Antagonists Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean provide humorous and likely foils for the intrepid Templeton kids and the engaging read is worth it from start to completion.
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LibraryThing member KimJD
Fans of Lemony Snickett's Series of Unfortunate Events will enjoy this new series featuring 12-year-old twins Abigail and John, their absent-minded professor father, and an extremely snarky narrator. Humorous and thought-provoking.
LibraryThing member lindap69
Highly recommended if you are looking for a fluff, quirky, just plain fun read. There is a bit of mystery, an over-the-top narrator and the boy/girl combo in the twins to make this appealing to everyone. A bit of graphics here and there and some pointed questions to you the reader gives appeal to
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the graphic novel/Wimpy Kid fans. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Amanda.Richards
You know that feeling you get when you read a book and love it so much you want to tell everyone about it so you do and they keep telling you to shut up? No? Then read this book and you will know exactly what I am talking about.
Some of the things I loved are as follows:
Vocabulary- Abby uses words
Chapter Reviews-I won't spoil these. Read the book and laugh at them yourself.
Inventions-I kind of wish all of the inventions mentioned were real. I could most definitely use self tensioning bookends.
Cryptic crosswords-I never knew these even existed, but now I know how to do them and I am addicted!
Basically, it was a great read and the narrator was hilariously sarcastic (which I love). So go buy a copy for yourself and enjoy!
Some of the things I loved are as follows:
Vocabulary- Abby uses words
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that most would agree are above her grade level. But the author makes it work by explaining to the reader what it means or instructing them to use a dictionary. (I think I love this so much because I was this child. My dad and I used to out-smart each other with 'dead' words like "surreptitious" or "solipsistic". I had to start dumbing down my vocab in high school because my peers and teachers didn't care for it...)Chapter Reviews-I won't spoil these. Read the book and laugh at them yourself.
Inventions-I kind of wish all of the inventions mentioned were real. I could most definitely use self tensioning bookends.
Cryptic crosswords-I never knew these even existed, but now I know how to do them and I am addicted!
Basically, it was a great read and the narrator was hilariously sarcastic (which I love). So go buy a copy for yourself and enjoy!
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LibraryThing member jll112
Really enjoyed this book. I like it when the narrated talks to you, berates you even. I think my 9 year old will enjoy this. But I fear my eleven year old will be too old for it.
LibraryThing member Sensory
Full of humor and sass! Great story for kids and I (an adult) enjoyed it too.
LibraryThing member MrsBookOwl
I started reading The Templeton Twins, and 10 pages into the book I knew I HAD to read it aloud to my 5th and 6th graders. Now this was after I had decided I just didn't have time to read aloud to the students right now. But within 10 pages I knew I had to make the time, because I knew they would
The plot was fun and mysterious, so not only does the voice hook you in - the story does as well. I had to figure out how the whole thing fit together and how the twins would work through it all. Well done!!!
So how did it go as a read aloud? Well judging by the number of laughs that happened as I was reading I'd say it went very very well. They really did enjoy it! When I'd stop for the day they would beg me to keep reading! I love books that do that.
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love it as much as I did. Why did I love it? Well the narrator for one! I'm not usually one to like books where the narrator addresses the reader, but this narrator is so hysterical that I very quickly got over that. But what really got me are the "Questions for Review" at the end of every chapter. As an English teacher I assign questions at the end of the stories, so to see how funny these are really hooked me. And I knew my students who always have to answer those questions would find them just as funny.The plot was fun and mysterious, so not only does the voice hook you in - the story does as well. I had to figure out how the whole thing fit together and how the twins would work through it all. Well done!!!
So how did it go as a read aloud? Well judging by the number of laughs that happened as I was reading I'd say it went very very well. They really did enjoy it! When I'd stop for the day they would beg me to keep reading! I love books that do that.
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LibraryThing member Brainannex
Cute but not fabulous.
Awards
Parents' Choice Book Award (2012)
Rhode Island Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2014)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2013)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Fiction for Older Readers — 2012)
Language
Original publication date
2012
Physical description
232 p.
ISBN
0811866793 / 9780811866798
Local notes
Abigail and John, the Templeton twins, and their dog Cassie, foil a pair of inept kidnappers intent on stealing one of their father's newest inventions.