One of a kind! (It's a Twin Thing - Mary Olsen)

Member Name: AmyAmy

Product:	It's a Twin Thing - Mary Olsen
Date:	03/11/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a great read, descriptive, cheap

Disadvantages: /

When I was younger, I was a massive fan of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (and if I am honest, I still am). Their films and shows were fantastic, and I loved all the little bits of merchandise available for fans too. I wasn't aware of their book range however until I discovered one in a charity shop one day whilst having a rake with my Grandma. From that moment though, I found myself hooked to the series.

The Two of a Kind book series is based on the TV show by the same name, which is all about the lives of Mary Kate and Ashley Burke. It takes us through Mary Kate and Ashley's life living with their Dad, Kevin, and their time spent with Babysitter Carrie. They go through all the normal problems teenagers do - basically it is the story of Mary Kate and Ashley but without the showbiz!

The books are not taken from episodes of the television show, just simply based around it. The first book of many in the collection is 'It's a Twin Thing'. It can be recognised by its incredibly attractive cover. At the top you have the lovely pink and yellow Two of a Kind logo, and below that you will find a picture of Mary Kate and Ashley side by side. It is easy to tell who is who in this case as Mary Kate appears to be more sporty with her hair tied back, and Ashley in a more feminine top, her hair shaped into her face. Though the twins have admitted that neither of them are at such extreme ends of the personality spectrum - it was just for the show.

The book itself tells the story of another day in the lives of the Burke twins. It is their first day back at school after the Summer break, and Ashley is busy occupying her time with make up and perfecting her wardrobe, much to Kevin's distaste, while Mary Kate is more concerned over soccer. With Kevin working late, he needs to find the girls a babysitter, but they feel they are far too old now to be watched over. Will he find somebody suitable, or will they be stuck with the old woman from across the road again?

Okay so I said that the books aren't based on specific episodes of the show, but this one is an exception. The book series has started in the same way as the television series, but I do not mind this. I feel it is a good way to introduce the characters, and it also helps you to feel like it really is based on the series, and not an entirely different world. Besides, it is quite a nice plot too and incredibly enjoyable.

This book is aimed at anybody around the 9-12 age bracket. The text across its 115 pages is quite a fair size so the reader will not be put off my scrawls of writing. The language is not too complicated either, but enough to give the reader a slightly challenging but completely enjoyable read. For the more mature reader and fans of the Olsens, it will provide an enjoyable light read too that provides minimal thinking.

The book is written by Judy Katschke, who I have only ever heard of from the Olsen books. Though giving her name a search it seems that she has written quite a lot of children's books. If you ever see her name on a front cover, you will know straight away that you are going to be getting a good read.

With the book published in 1999 and the television series long finished, you will struggle to find this in book stores. However it can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk for just 1p, and even with the £2.75 postage and packaging fee, I would stay say that that is a truly wonderful price to pay for such an entertaining read.

This is a delightful book which is ideal for any fan of the Olsens. The characters are so realistic, based on Mary Kate and Ashley themselves, and the descriptions are so vivid that you feel you are watching the episode on television, with a clear picture in your head. It is most definitely worth seeing if you can get hold of, its truly amazing!

Amy 2009

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