Pastis has a knack for comic timing, and the interplay between cartoon, text, and the absurdities of the story should continue to attract readers who wish they could shake their fists at the world with such inept panache.
—Booklist
If Inspector Clouseau were in grade school, he’d be Timmy Failure. … [H]is many fans will speed through the pages, and they’ll love Pastis’ illustrations, which feature an adorable polar bear shaped like a bowling pin. They may even adopt Timmy’s motto: “When you lose hope, find it.” A loonily intellectual alternative to that wimpy kid.
—Kirkus Reviews
Timmy is a wonderfully frustrating narrator. … [A]s Timmy’s grip on reality begins to weaken and his actions begin to alienate those around him, readers will nevertheless sympathize with his unraveling. Fans of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series or the “Big Nate” books will enjoy the sharp, ironic humor as well as the black-and-white comic illustrations. … [P]lenty of the puns, plays-on-words, and clever comedic timing will result in laugh-out-loud moments.
—School Library Journal
Great-aunt Colander is the gem of the series thus far. She truly “gets” and seeks out Timmy, and she’s the resourceful and clear-eyed antidote to the discombobulated detective. … This heartwarming companion will make Timmy’s fans even more eager for the third adventure, planned for this coming November.
—Shelf Awareness
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