Hilarious Spy Adventure: Read Our Review of My Mum is a Spy! By Andy McNab and Jess French, illustrated by Nathan Reed

When Lucia and her dad come to stay for a week, Idris can’t believe his bad luck. He had prepared himself to share the TV remote and maybe some of his toys, but he hadn’t prepared himself for Lucia. Lucia LOVES spying – and worst of all – she is convinced that Idris’s mum is a spy. And that just can’t be true… can it? His mum is absolutely definitely 100% NOT a spy…

But even Idris has to admit there is something a bit unusual about their family trip to the zoo. Were his eyes playing tricks on him, or did someone really drop something into mum’s bag? And why has Budi the orangutan, who is normally so cheerful, suddenly lost his appetite? Maybe it’s time for some spying after all…

Andy McNab is a former British Infantry and SAS soldier who rose to fame upon the publication of Bravo Two Zero, an account of a military mission during the Persian Gulf War. He went on to write countless military thrillers, and in recent years has expanded his repertoire into children’s fiction. His latest book, My Mum is a Spy, is co-written with British TV personality, conservationist and author Jess French, and illustrated by Nathan Reed. The result is a fast-paced, amusing and altogether crazy spy adventure that might just be every kids’ dream!

When Lucia and Idris are stuck together during the holidays, they could never have expected the wild ride that awaits them. Animals are missing from the zoo, there are hidden spy rooms and Countesses who are up to no good, but what on earth connects all of these things? Lucia is determined to find out, and Idris reluctantly tags along.

I particularly loved the relationship arc between Idris and Lucia, as Idris finds Lucia rather irritating at first, until he gets to know her and they get thrust into a world of espionage! Kids will love following the budding friendship and spy antics of Idris and Lucia, as their friendship is at the core of this book. They are curious, kind and open to adventure.

Reed’s illustrations are scattered throughout My Mum is a Spy – just the right amount to paint a picture of the characters. This is a great book for kids aged 8+ and for those looking for a bit of adventure before bedtime. It’s a wacky story with a lot of heart, and I look forward to seeing what Idris and Lucia get up to in book #2, My Mum is a Spy on Safari.

Buy a copy of My Mum is a Spy here.