The Terrible Two
With Jory John, illustrations by Kevin Cornell
Miles Murphy is known for one thing and one thing only: pranking.
He's the best prankster his school has ever seen. So when he's forced to move to boring Yawnee Valley (also known for one thing and one thing only: cows), he assumes he'll be the best prankster at his new school too. There's one problem. The school already has a prankster—and he's good. Really good.
A New York Times Best Seller
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Visit The Terrible Two website HERE.
"This book is terrible! Terribly funny, terribly full of pranks, and terribly wonderful."
—Jon Scieszka
"The Terrible Two are my kind of kids. And what's more, they're kids' kind of kids."
—Annie Barrows
"The pranks, the brotherhood, the art, the heart! What's not to love about The Terrible Two?"
—Sara Pennypacker
"You don't have to be a cow, like cows, or even know a cow to love The Terrible Two."
—Dave Eggers
"Hilarious."
—Dav Pilkey
“Barnett and John are in perfect comic harmony, filling their story with exaggerated archetypes (the overbearing principal, the do-gooder), pranks gone awry, and wisecracking banter.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Coauthors and friends Barnett and John have created a fast paced, laugh-out-loud novel sure to appeal to those who appreciate a good prank and have a sense of justice.”
—School Library Journal
“Barnett and John launch their cow-resplendent illustrated series with the humorous origin story of the pranking duo who lend the series its name…Cornell’s goofy cartoon illustrations (especially the blasé cows) add giggles aplenty.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Full of well-timed comedy…this lively start to a new series provides great insight into social dynamics—as well as prank planning and execution!”
—The Horn Book Magazine
"With plenty of humor, quirky characters…and fantastical, over-the-top pranking, this entertaining, enjoyable read will especially appeal to Wimpy Kid aficionados."
—VOYA
"Funny books that transcend silliness and are written with skill are rare. But The Terrible Two...is rich in deadpan jokes and sprightly turns of phrase. Miles hopes to maintain his reputation as a prankster in his new school but arrives to find himself already out-pranked. A war of practical jokes ensues, until he and his adversary collaborate. Smartly observant of school life, and illustrated by Kevin Cornell in a retro comic-book style, it is ideal for reading aloud."
—The Sunday Times
"Here is a tale that is almost a guidebook on the art and etiquette of pranking"
—The Herald
“A tale that’s loaded with cunning high jinks, neat pieces of outwitting, some great gags and more than you ever wanted to know about cows.”
—Financial Times
“An early contender for the funniest middle grade novel of the year.”
—Booktrust
"This book is really funny and exciting. In my top 10 of all my favourite books ever this would come about fifth, it is so good! I would recommend it to any people who like reading about pranks, mischief and naughty boys at school."
—The Guardian Children’s Books Site
“Stylish, full of skilfully imagined pranks and frequently laugh-out-loud funny, this has all the makings of the start of a series with staying power.”
—Teach Primary
“Tempt those teens still addicted to Wimpy Kid with something slightly more challenging; it’s written in the first person, which allows a more sophisticated level of humour and the two likeable protagonists are refreshingly three-dimensional.”
—Teach Secondary
“Daringly different and acutely observant, The Terrible Two series is as clever as it is comical. Not to be missed!”
—The Lancashire Evening Post
"Hence one of the funniest novels of the year is also a book aimed at 12-year-olds."
—Splitsider
