- Author: Laura Gehl
- Illustrator: Alexandria Neonakis
- Publisher: Two Lions (September 2019)
- Age Range: 4 – 8
- Pages: 32
Publishers Synopsis:
Juniper Kai was born to be a spy. And while spies sometimes work alone, Juniper has always been able to count on her mom and dad to fill in as spy partners. Until now. Suddenly, Juniper’s parents are too busy and too tired to play with her. And when they start whispering behind Juniper’s back and making secret plans, she knows something really big is going on. So Juniper sets out on a new mission: to find out exactly what her parents are up to. And the answer might be absolutely spy-tacular!
My Thoughts:
Gehl is one of my favorite authors and she didn’t let me down with her newest book. It’s cute, original and kept me turning pages and smiling.
I was immediately drawn in with the illustrations and the variety of text colors. It only takes a glance at the cover to determine just how cute Juniper Kai is.
The little ones should get a kick out of the equipment Juniper Kai uses:
- Spy-o-scopes
- Fingerprint powder
- Wigs
- Disguises
- Code-breaking manuals
- James Bond spy camera, and more.
This little spy lets us know that she is just fine working alone. And, of course, Mom and Dad are always around to fill in the times she’d like someone to play with. But lately, something isn’t right.
Mom and dad aren’t always available to help entertain her. And more than that. There’s something secretive going on.
Suddenly, Dad was too busy to play. Mom was too tired. And Mom and Dad kept whispering to each other. Juniper felt a bit left out.
Now if that doesn’t sound like the perfect time for a spy to do spy work, I don’t know when it would be. So Juniper gathers her various spying tools and the sleuthing commences.
As I mentioned earlier the text is fun for the reader and the bright colors are bound to even speak to the non-reader. As the clues mount up the guessing will begin.
And the outcome of the mystery is most satisfying!
What Concerned Me:
Nothing at all!
What I Like Most:
Now that’s a very hard question. I liked the originality and the fact that the ending was extremely satisfying. I also loved how the illustrations and story worked together seamlessly.
First Line Of The Story:
Juniper Kai was born to be a spy.
About The Author:
Laura Gehl is the author of many popular picture books, including One Big Pair of Underwear, a Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title and International Literacy Association Honor Book, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld; Peep and Egg: I’m Not Hatching, an Amazon Editors’ Pick and Parents’ Choice recommendation; and more recently, My Pillow Keeps Moving, a Junior Library Guild selection, illustrated by Christopher Weyant. She lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with one husband, four children, and seventeen fake mustaches. Visit Laura online at www.lauragehl.com.
About the Illustrator:
Alexandria Neonakis grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her huge family. She now lives in California with her husband and their two cats. In addition to illustrating children’s books, she works as a character- concept artist for video games. Her recent children’s books include Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk and This Is MY Room by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. She loves hiking in the gorgeous Southern California wilderness, gardening, playing games, and reading good books. Learn more about her online at www.alexneonakis.com.
