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A review by katykelly
The Terrible Two Get Worse by Jory John, Mac Barnett
5.0
Sequel to 'The Terrible Two', which is a title I hadn't heard of before. I was impressed though and would definitely purchase both for my school library.
I've read both Jory John and Mac Barnett before, and they work well together here to create a pair of pranksters that I can imagine being popular in KS2/KS3 classrooms (and bedrooms). In a story that reminded me of Captain Underpants and Timmy Failure, Niles and MIles prank their way through school, targeting the class bully, even the Headteacher - until a punk goes wrong and the Head is removed... For his tough and prank-hating retired former-Headteacher-father!
This is wittier that you might expect, with a significant amount of cultural reference above the head of an average 7-year-old (Occam's razor?! Samizdat?!). The structure is well designed with words and illustrations working well together (with regular updates with graphics on how the former Head is spending his time out of school).
It's very funny, and speeds along easily. There is also depth though - the motivation of Miles and Niles differs greatly, and Principal Barkin (the elder) makes a very Trunchbull-like enemy (In terms of how despicable he is) you want to see fall.
The drawings are line drawings, seeming quick and messy but there is a lot of detail in them that adds to the humour.
There are some great moments and scenes, and I thoroughly enjoyed this, was very happily reading this without knowing the first book (it would help to have read it, but it doesn't matter for the plot).
Niles and Miles are a great pair - smart, with great ideas that readers will love and good friends. Their original headteacher is foil, enemy, ally and 'dumb adult' all at the same time. I'd be happy to see more of their exploits in future adventures.
With thanks to the publisher for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.
I've read both Jory John and Mac Barnett before, and they work well together here to create a pair of pranksters that I can imagine being popular in KS2/KS3 classrooms (and bedrooms). In a story that reminded me of Captain Underpants and Timmy Failure, Niles and MIles prank their way through school, targeting the class bully, even the Headteacher - until a punk goes wrong and the Head is removed... For his tough and prank-hating retired former-Headteacher-father!
This is wittier that you might expect, with a significant amount of cultural reference above the head of an average 7-year-old (Occam's razor?! Samizdat?!). The structure is well designed with words and illustrations working well together (with regular updates with graphics on how the former Head is spending his time out of school).
It's very funny, and speeds along easily. There is also depth though - the motivation of Miles and Niles differs greatly, and Principal Barkin (the elder) makes a very Trunchbull-like enemy (In terms of how despicable he is) you want to see fall.
The drawings are line drawings, seeming quick and messy but there is a lot of detail in them that adds to the humour.
There are some great moments and scenes, and I thoroughly enjoyed this, was very happily reading this without knowing the first book (it would help to have read it, but it doesn't matter for the plot).
Niles and Miles are a great pair - smart, with great ideas that readers will love and good friends. Their original headteacher is foil, enemy, ally and 'dumb adult' all at the same time. I'd be happy to see more of their exploits in future adventures.
With thanks to the publisher for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.