Plus, you know, the story’s really good, full of adventure and suspense and zany characters and wordplay and cryptic crosswords and even a meatloaf recipe. It’s FUNNY, not in spite of, but rather because of its constantly self-referencing, outrageously attention seeking narrator. Which makes sense: it’s hard to nail the book’s tone of “Oh, look at me, I’m so snarky, children’s book authors positively overflow with wit and charm don’t we now…? But guys, here’s the thing. I’ll be honest: when, in January, I first sat down to read, I half expected to write off “The Templeton Twins Have an Idea” for trying too hard, for being overly self-indulgent.

Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins) and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn’t?!).” Wouldn’t it be fun to read about that? Oh please. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton Twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. And suppose that another set of twins- adults- named Dean D. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. Let’s say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, (respectively), John and Abigail Templeton. Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 15, 2012)

The templeton twins book 3