Ages 9+1-min guideHumorMystery
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
by Stephan Pastis
Good fitA good fit for most kids 9 and up. Deadpan humor from a kid detective who gets everything wrong. Expect fibs to his mom, mild insults and slapstick.
Create a free family account to see a verdict for each of your kids.
What it’s about
Eleven-year-old Timmy Failure is sure he’s the world’s greatest detective. His business partner is Total, a 1,500-pound polar bear. When his mom’s Segway goes missing, Timmy blames his rival, Corrina Corrina.
The ending
What might come up
Rule-breakingA littleTimmy rides his mom’s Segway against her rules, loses it, and fibs about it.
ViolenceA littleSlapstick: balls and Frisbees bonk Timmy, and a car crashes into a house. No one is hurt.
Family stressA littleTimmy’s single mom is short on money, and they move to a smaller home.
Death and lossA littleA classmate’s pet hamster has died, and Timmy treats it as a case.
LanguageA littleInsults like 'stupid' and 'idiot,' plus 'what the heck' and one 'butt kisser.'
RomanceA littleClassmate Molly Moskins has a crush on Timmy. His mom dates a bowler Timmy dislikes.
Why kids like it
Timmy is always sure he’s right and almost always wrong, which kids find hilarious.
Free printable quiz
- 1What is the name of Timmy’s detective agency?
- 2What kind of animal is Total?
- 3Who is Timmy’s best friend?
- 4Who does Timmy think took the Segway?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
