How to Flunk Your First Date (Two of a Kind) - Megan Stine

For as long as I remember, I have always loved Mary Kate and Ashley. The Olsens were at the heart of my universe when I was a child - I adored their films, and went insane with merchandise. When I discovered their book range after a rake in a charity shop with my Grandma, I got stuck in straight away. I have always been a bit of a book worm and loved reading, so finding a whole new collection of books to plough through was incredibly exciting. Luckily ...
...of the books, so I got started straight away.

Book number #2 in the Two of a Kind collection is 'How To Flunk Your First Date'. With the title as a bit of a giveaway, the books in this collection are based on the television series 'Two of a Kind', which is about Kevin Burke's two teenage daughters Mary Kate and Ashley. They live with their Dad but spend a lot of time with their super hip and cool babysitter Carrie. The Two of a Kind ... more

For as long as I remember, I have always loved Mary Kate and Ashley. The Olsens were at the heart of my universe when I was a child - I adored their films, and went insane with merchandise. When I discovered their book range after a rake in a charity shop with my Grandma, I got stuck in straight away. I have always been a bit of a book worm and loved reading, so finding a whole new collection of books to plough through was incredibly exciting. Luckily the local libraries had copies of most, if not all of the books, so I got started straight away.

Book number #2 in the Two of a Kind collection is 'How To Flunk Your First Date'. With the title as a bit of a giveaway, the books in this collection are based on the television series 'Two of a Kind', which is about Kevin Burke's two teenage daughters Mary Kate and Ashley. They live with their Dad but spend a lot of time with their super hip and cool babysitter Carrie. The Two of a Kind logo is at the top of the book cover, with a lovely purple background to it. On the front you can see a picture of the twins side by side, Mary Kate on the left and Ashley on the right. The characters are made out to have strong personalities i.e. Mary Kate is said to love sport, and Ashley fashion, though the twins have admitted that they are not really like that. However it does help us tell them apart!
The book tells the story of the adventures of Mary Kate and Ashley Burke. Mary Kate has a new maths tutor to help her with her work, and Ashley thinks he is incredibly cute. The twins switch places so Mary Kate can go to her basketball practice, and Ashley can spend time with the cute tutor. Though will they be able to pull the switch off or will the twins be caught out?

Some of the Two of a Kind books are unique, though the earlier editions are based on episodes and indeed this book is taken from an actual episode. However I do not feel it spoils the plot in the slightest. Even now I still read this with excitement, despite knowing what comes next. It is definitely an exciting plot, and not ruined at all.

The author of the book is Megan Stine. She has written quite a few books for collections, including Full House in which the Olsen twins also starred. She has a great style of writing that is thoroughly enjoyable. If you wish to buy this book you can do so from Amazon.co.uk for just 1p, and even with the £2.75 postage and packaging charges it is a great price to pay. You can sometimes find them in book stores such as Waterstones or WHSmith at around £4.99, but they are becoming less widely available offline.

This is an exciting book with wonderful characters and a great plot. The descriptions are so vivid that you can picture the television episode as you read, an added bonus. It is a wonderful book for any fan of the Olsen twins, and is perfect for anybody around the age of 8-13. The text is not too small and will keep children entertained whilst improving their reading. All round, it is a fantastic book.

Amy 2009 

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