Jacob Two-Two facts for kids

The first book in the series, published by McClelland and Stewart.

Jacob Two-Two is a popular series of children's books from Canada. The first three books were written by Mordecai Richler: Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1975), Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur (1987), and Jacob Two-Two's First Spy Case (1995). Later, a fourth book, Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas (2009), was finished by Canadian author Cary Fagan.

The first book, Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang, was made into movies twice. One film came out in 1978, and another in 1999. The 1999 movie even starred Gary Busey as the villain, the Hooded Fang! The books by Mordecai Richler also inspired an animated TV show called Jacob Two-Two. This show was made by Nelvana and aired in Canada on YTV (English) and VRAK TV (French). It also aired in the United States on Qubo.

Jacob is the youngest of five children in his family. He often has to say things twice because people don't hear him the first time. This habit is how he got his special nickname, "Jacob Two-Two." Many people once thought the character was based on Jacob Richler, the author's youngest son. In fact, every character in Jacob's family has the same name as a real person in the Richler family. However, Mordecai Richler himself said that the characters were not actually based on his own family.

In September 2009, Tundra Books, the company that publishes the Jacob Two-Two series, released a brand new fourth book. It was called Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas. Mordecai Richler had always planned to write more adventures. He had even started writing this fourth book before he passed away in 2001. With the full support of the Richler family, the new book was completed by Canadian author Cary Fagan. This book tells a story that happened before the first three books. It's about the family sailing back to Canada from England after Jacob's dad finishes writing an important novel. Tundra Books also re-released the first three books in the series. They came out with new artwork and covers by a Toronto artist named Dušan Petričić.

Meet the Characters

Jacob's Family and Friends

Jacob Two-Two

• Jacob is the main character of the stories.
• He is the youngest child in his family.
• People often don't hear him the first time he speaks.
• Because of this, he automatically repeats everything twice.
• This is how he got his famous nickname, "Jacob Two-Two."

X. Barnaby Dinglebat

• Mr. Dinglebat is Jacob's next-door neighbor.
• He is a secret international spy!
• He works for an agency called CMIST.
• CMIST stands for the Canadian Ministry of Intrigue, Spying, and Tattling.
• Jacob often helps Mr. Dinglebat and his spy hamster, Intrepid, on top-secret missions.

Morty

• Morty is Jacob's dad.
• He is a writer who creates the popular "Amazing Ronald" books.
• He is described as being very relaxed and easygoing.

Noah and Emma

• Noah and Emma are Jacob's older twin brother and sister.
• They love to read and are big fans of wrestling.
• They sometimes don't take Jacob seriously.
• They can treat him like a bother who can't keep up with them.
• They have their own superhero team called "Child Power."
• Noah calls himself Fearless O'Toole, and Emma is Intrepid Shapiro.
• They often tease Jacob.

Marfa

• Marfa is Jacob's oldest sister.
• She can be a bit self-centered and loud.
• She also has a quick temper but is very smart.
• Even though she and Jacob argue a lot, she is proud of his achievements.
• They truly care about each other.

Daniel

• Daniel is Jacob's oldest brother.
• Jacob thinks Daniel is the coolest person ever.
• Sometimes Daniel treats Jacob like a nuisance.
• But he also seems to take Jacob more seriously than his other siblings.
• Daniel loves music, especially classic bands like The Beatles.

Florence

• Florence is Jacob's mother.
• She handles everything calmly and doesn't get easily stressed.

Buford

• Buford is a unique kid with a very long name: Buford Orville Gaylord Pugh.
• He doesn't seem to worry much or get anxious.
• This isn't because he isn't smart, but because he finds it hard to focus.
• He often tells long, rambling stories that don't always have a point.
• Buford and Jacob both start at a new school together.

Teachers and Neighbors

Mrs Sour Pickle

• Mrs. Sour Pickle is Jacob's geography teacher.
• She always has a frown on her face, as if she smells something bad.
• She loves catching students not paying attention or talking.
• Then she gives them surprise quizzes on hard-to-find capitals of small countries.
• Her biggest secret is that she absolutely loves hockey.
• She cheers for her favorite team, the amazing Montreal Marvels.

Miss Darling Sweetiepie

• Miss Darling Sweetiepie is a sweet old lady who lives down the street.
• She is always walking around.
• She loves to offer delicious baked goods to everyone she meets.

Media Adaptations

Jacob Two-Two Movies

The first book in the series, Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1975), was turned into a movie two times:

• Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1978 film)
• Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1999 film)

Animated TV Series

• Jacob Two-Two (TV series) is a Canadian animated show for television.
• It is based on the Jacob Two-Two books.
• The show first started in September 2003.