Pastis’s lovely balance of quirky cartooning and quick-moving text makes this an enjoyable, laugh-out-loud read. Highly recommended for kids who love Bill Watterson’s “Calvin and Hobbes,” Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Lincoln Peirce’s “Big Nate” Rachel Renée Russell’s or “Dork Diaries.” This book and the entire series are a perfect go-to for reluctant readers.
—School Library Journal
Pastis’ supporting cast of characters are ... effective narrative foils for [Timmy], rather than speechless bystanders to his quirkiness. ... [T]here are signs that, with the support of people who find him lovable in spite of himself, Timmy Failure will not live up to his name.
—Booklist
There are several moments where Timmy is unironically sweet. Anyone familiar with the previous books in the series may be surprised at the genuine sentiment in a few scenes. There are actual hugs, and there's a deeply touching conversation with a very unlikely person. ... Timmy Failure is a classic antihero: Some readers will be drawn to the book because of him; others will be drawn to it in spite of him.
—Kirkus Reviews
Some older children love a good read; some enjoy ripping the paper off an exciting toy during the holidays; others love books and toys equally. Here are our picks for the “big kid” in your life.
The best young readers’ books of 2014 take bookworms to places near and far, opening their eyes to both the universal nature of their own experience and the uniqueness of people throughout the world. They include the hilarious adventures of Greg Heffley and his family on a road trip gone wrong in Jeff Kinney’s The Long Haul, the heartfelt and humorous story of sibling relationships in Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters, and the personal portrait of a young woman who dared to make a difference in I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai.