The Day the Mustache Took Over

Katz, Alan. The Day the Mustache Took Over
September 1st 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Twins Nathan and David are so horrible that they have run off any number of babysitters. Their busy and beleaguered parents are desperate to hire someone who won't run off, so they are intrigued when Martin Healey Discount shows up, and hire him even though they didn't read his letters of reference. At first, Martin makes the boys do homework and clean their rooms, and the boys, surprised that they have a "manny" do as they are told. The parents are impressed, but Martin lets the boys know that most of that is for show. Really on the agenda-- television and having fun. Martin turns out to be more irresponsible than they twins, but under the guise of "making things look good", gets the boys to do a lot of studying and chores. The boys think that Martin might be a spy, and they investigate, but in the end, don't care. They miss their "Murray Poppins" when he leaves, but he isn't gone for long.
Strengths: Goofy book that will amuse elementary readers. Has some illustrations. A great "evil aunt" gift, since it does encourage some bad behavior. Goofy and light amusement.
Weaknesses: I couldn't get past the fact that the parents didn't take away every privilege known to man so that the boys would behave! I know it's for comic effect, but badly behaved children don't amuse me!
What I really think: Comes down on the elementary side of the Pilkey line, so I don't think I'll buy.