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Books in the series Timmy Failure

7 books in this series

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

by Stephan Pastis1 of 7

Meet Timmy Failure, the founder, president, and CEO of the best detective agency in town, Total Failure, Inc. Along with his business partner—a 1,500-pound polar bear named Total—Timmy is on a mission to solve crimes, make his mother rich, and achieve world domination. The only problem? Timmy is spectacularly clueless, and his "detective skills" often lead to more chaos than solutions. This riotously funny story follows Timmy as he navigates the challenges of school, a rival detective named Corrina Corrina, and the general unfairness of the world.

Perfect for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate, this book combines deadpan humor with quirky illustrations that bring Timmy's delusions of grandeur to life. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in funny mysteries and relatable (if slightly exaggerated) school-life struggles. The short chapters and visual storytelling make it a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventures.

Highlights:

  • Features a comically overconfident protagonist and his silent polar bear sidekick.
  • Perfect for fans of illustrated humor series like Tom Gates and Barry Loser.
  • Explores themes of resilience and imagination through a hilarious lens.
  • Engaging visual format that appeals to reluctant and visual learners.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionMystery and Detective+2 more
Timmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done

by Stephan Pastis2 of 7

Timmy Failure is back in his second hilarious adventure, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever! As the founder, president, and CEO of the world-class detective agency Total Failure, Inc., Timmy is determined to win a school competition to find a stolen globe. With his lazy but lovable polar bear sidekick, Total, by his side, Timmy navigates a world of "shenanigans" and "injustice" with his signature brand of clueless self-confidence. This book is perfect for children who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate and are looking for a story that combines clever wordplay with laugh-out-loud illustrations.

Ideal for readers interested in funny mysteries and quirky characters, Stephan Pastis delivers a masterclass in comedic timing. Parents will appreciate the subtle puns and the way the story encourages creative thinking, even if Timmy's logic is often hilariously flawed. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy visual storytelling and fast-paced, episodic chapters that keep them turning the pages.

Highlights:

  • Features a unique blend of text and comic-style illustrations.
  • Perfect for fans of deadpan humor and slapstick comedy.
  • Explores themes of perseverance and staying true to oneself.
  • Engaging mystery plot that keeps young readers guessing.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionMystery and Detective+3 more
Timmy Failure: We Meet Again by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: We Meet Again

by Stephan Pastis3 of 7

Timmy Failure is back in his third hilarious adventure, We Meet Again. As the founder, president, and CEO of the world-best detective agency, Total Failure, Inc., Timmy is certain that global domination is just around the corner. However, the universe seems to have other plans. Between dealing with his business partner—a lazy polar bear named Total—and facing the terrifying prospect of academic probation, Timmy has his hands full. To save his grades and his reputation, he must tackle the elusive 'Miracle Report,' a task that proves to be his most challenging case yet.

This book is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Big Nate. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in deadpan humor, quirky characters, and stories where the protagonist is hilariously unaware of their own limitations. Stephan Pastis combines witty text with comic-style illustrations, making it a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy a fast-paced, visual storytelling experience. Parents will appreciate the clever wordplay and the subtle lessons about resilience and staying true to oneself, even when things do not go according to plan.

Highlights:

  • Features the comically overconfident and beloved detective Timmy Failure.
  • A unique hybrid format with engaging illustrations that support the narrative.
  • Perfect for fans of humorous middle-grade series and detective spoofs.
  • Explores themes of school challenges and perseverance through a comedic lens.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionMystery and Detective+2 more
Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection

by Stephan Pastis4 of 7

Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection is the fourth installment in the wildly popular series by Stephan Pastis. In this hilarious adventure, the world's greatest (and most delusional) detective, Timmy Failure, is forced to leave his home base for a cross-country road trip. Accompanied by his mother, his business partner Total (a very large polar bear), and the eccentric Molly Moskins, Timmy faces his greatest challenge yet: surviving a family vacation while maintaining his professional dignity.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or the Big Nate books. With its unique blend of deadpan humor, quirky illustrations, and a protagonist who never lets reality get in the way of a good investigation, it is an ideal pick for reluctant readers. Parents will appreciate the clever wordplay and the underlying themes of family bonding and self-confidence that shine through Timmy's chaotic memoirs.

Highlights:

  • A hilarious cross-country road trip filled with unexpected twists and turns.
  • Engaging hybrid format with illustrations that enhance the comedic timing.
  • Great for fans of detective stories and humorous middle-grade fiction.
  • Explores themes of family relationships and perseverance in a lighthearted way.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionHumor+3 more
Timmy Failure: The Cat Stole My Pants by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: The Cat Stole My Pants

by Stephan Pastis6 of 7

In the sixth installment of Stephan Pastis’s side-splitting series, Timmy Failure: The Cat Stole My Pants, our favorite clueless detective finds himself in the tropical heat of Key West, Florida. Ostensibly there for his mother’s honeymoon with Doorman Dave, Timmy quickly realizes that crime doesn’t take a vacation. With his usual polar bear partner, Total, seeking political asylum in Cuba, Timmy must team up with an unlikely new ally—Doorman Dave’s nephew, Emilio—to navigate a web of intrigue involving a six-toed cat and a pair of missing pants.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Big Nate. It’s an ideal pick for readers interested in quirky humor, deadpan narration, and illustrated stories that make reading feel like a breeze. Parents will appreciate how the book handles themes of family changes and new friendships through a lens of absurd comedy. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a dedicated fan of detective stories, Timmy’s latest misadventure offers non-stop laughs and a surprisingly heartfelt look at growing up.

Highlights:

  • Hilarious deadpan humor and iconic illustrations by Stephan Pastis.
  • A unique tropical setting that adds a fresh twist to the detective genre.
  • Explores themes of family dynamics and adapting to change in a funny way.
  • Perfect for fans of hybrid novels and graphic-heavy middle-grade fiction.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionHumor+3 more
Timmy Failure: The Book You're Not Supposed to Have by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: The Book You're Not Supposed to Have

by Stephan Pastis7 of 7

Step into the hilarious and slightly delusional world of Timmy Failure in The Book You're Not Supposed to Have. In this installment, our favorite comically overconfident detective faces his biggest challenge yet: he has been banned from detective work! Timmy believes there is a conspiracy of buffoons working against him, including a teachers' strike that threatens his academic future and the potential marriage of his mother to Doorman Dave. To make matters worse, his private notebook containing all his secrets has been stolen. If it falls into the wrong hands, Timmy might be grounded for life—or even longer!

This book is a perfect choice for children who love deadpan humor, quirky characters, and stories told through a mix of text and funny illustrations. It is an ideal pick for readers interested in mystery, school-life antics, and the unique perspective of a protagonist who sees the world differently than everyone else. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate will find Timmy’s antics absolutely irresistible. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or a devoted fan of the series, this book offers a laugh-out-loud experience that explores themes of perseverance and family dynamics.

Highlights:

  • Features the signature deadpan humor and hilarious illustrations of Stephan Pastis.
  • Great for reluctant readers who enjoy hybrid graphic novel formats.
  • Explores relatable themes like family changes and school struggles with a comedic twist.
  • A must-read for fans of the Timmy Failure series and similar middle-grade comedies.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionMystery and Detective+2 more
Timmy Failure: It's the End When I Say It's the End by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: It's the End When I Say It's the End

by Stephan Pastis7 of 7

In the grand finale of the beloved series, Timmy Failure: It's the End When I Say It's the End brings the world's most confident (yet hilariously inept) detective to the silver screen. Timmy is determined to cement his legacy by turning his memoirs into a cinematic masterpiece, but he faces constant hurdles from a "buffoonish" director and his own eccentricities. This installment is perfect for children who love deadpan humor, quirky characters, and stories that blend everyday life with wild imagination.

As Timmy navigates the complexities of filmmaking, he also deals with the unexpected arrival of his father and the emotional needs of his business partner, a polar bear named Total. Ideal for readers interested in funny mysteries and relatable family dynamics, Stephan Pastis delivers a conclusion that is both riotously funny and surprisingly touching. It is a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate who are looking for a unique voice and clever storytelling.

Highlights:

  • The epic conclusion to the best-selling Timmy Failure series.
  • A unique blend of dry wit, visual humor, and heartfelt moments.
  • Explores themes of family, friendship, and staying true to oneself.
  • Engaging illustrations that complement the hilarious narrative.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionHumor+3 more