Spy Dad

K-Gr 2—Unbeknownst to Olivia, her dad is spy, but she wishes he wouldn't work so much. To solve this issue, her dad quits his job and they go on an adventurous holiday filled with exploding vehicles and bad guys chasing them. Although this book has good intentions, it has a bit too much going on. It follows Olivia and her dad while they are being chased, but also teaches the lesson of the importance of having a job. If readers do not pay enough attention to the illustrations, they will miss key parts; for instance, the bad guys located at the boat dock and the scarecrow spying on Olivia and her dad. Children could get distracted or confused, but the graphic style illustrations are bold and bright, and add more appeal for young readers. Striking a good life/work balance is something that many adults grapple with but the absurdity of being a part-time spy and possibly putting his young daughter into harm's way cannot and should not be taken too seriously.