The Templeton Twins Have an Idea: Book One

By Ellis Weiner

Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

232 pages – ages 8-13

Published by Chronicle Books on August 15, 2012

The Templeton house is a sad place. The Templeton twins, John and Abigail are dealing with the death of their mother. Their father, Professor Elton Templeton was depressed and didn’t want to work on his inventions anymore. Things got a little brighter when the twins convinced their dad to get a “ridiculous” dog named Cassie. One day, Professor Templeton goes to work and when he comes home, he announces that they are moving to Tick-Tock Tech so he can work and invent there. The one problem is that a former “F” student of the professor is out for revenge and hatches a plot to kidnap the twins and the dog. It’s a good thing the twins are as smart as their dad!

Fist off, I loved the narrator of the book. He is sarcastic and funny (he really dislikes Cassie too, that’s why she’s a “ridiculous dog”). The book is narrated kind of like Lemony Snicket, but I think it is also different enough. I like how the narrator kind of quizzes you at the end of each chapter. The twins have good personalities and are likeable. I really like the illustration style in the book. I thought it was very unique.

The chapters are short and with all the illustrations, I think it would be a good read for younger kids or reluctant readers. There is enough action, mystery and humor to keep me turning the pages. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Five out of five bookworms for The Templeton Twins Have an Idea.

To learn more about The Templeton Twins, please visit the official website by clicking HERE.

UPDATE!!

The Narrator himself commented on my “About Me” page! I wanted to share it here so everyone will see it!

Dear Erik:

As the narrator of The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, I wish to commend you on your excellent taste in narratives. Of course, you could have praised me more, but I suppose I must learn to live with whatever crumbs of recognition I get from the public. More importantly, I am pleased to see that you did not–as so many lesser critics do–heap praise upon Mr. Ellis Weiner, whom people insist on identifying as the author of the book even though it is obvious that the story is told by me.

Well done, young critic.

I know you will be thrilled to know–just as I am thrilled to know–that the next book in the series, The Templeton Twins Make a Scene, will be published in September or October of this year. I look forward to reading your typically astute and accurate review of that one, too, when the time comes.

Yours truly,
The Narrator

Cool huh?

Here is my reply –

Dear Mr. The Narrator,

Thank you so much for having the sense to post such a meaningful comment. You are obviously a Narrator of great taste! It is an honor to have you on my blog!

Sincerely sincere,
Erik

Categories: Age 12+, Age 6-9, Age 9+

Tags: bibliophile, book review, bookworm, childrens books, Ellis Weiner, Jeremy Holmes, templeton twins