My Mum is a Spy!
What’s inside...
When Lucia and her dad come to stay for a week, Idris is in for a surprise. Lucia loves spying and is convinced Idris' mum is a spy, which Idris finds hard to believe. But strange things on a family trip to the zoo make Idris question if his mum might actually have a secret life. With suspicions rising, Idris and Lucia find themselves on a spy adventure, uncovering more than they expected. This laugh-out-loud chapter book, perfect for young readers, is filled with action, adventure, and mystery, making it an exciting read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good spy? How does Mum in the book compare to your idea?
If you were a spy like Mum, what kind of gadgets or skills would you like to have?
How do the characters in the story show courage and teamwork?
What would you do if you discovered a secret like the character in the book?
How do you think the story would change if you were part of it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the book, asking how they might react to the situations presented.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas a spy might face and relate them to everyday moral choices your child makes.
Use the book’s themes to talk about trust and secrecy, exploring when it's okay to keep secrets and when it’s important to share information.
Link discussions to real-world examples, such as jobs where people help others and keep them safe, drawing parallels to the character of the Mum.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like writing a simple 'spy code' together or drawing a spy gadget they would like to invent.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist using clever problem-solving methods to navigate tricky situations, demonstrating the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in various real-life situations, such as working out disagreements with friends or figuring out puzzles and homework.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of being truthful is highlighted as characters face consequences for dishonesty, helping children understand why honesty matters.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand the positive outcomes of truthful communication.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Characters in the story often demonstrate courage in the face of danger, teaching children the importance of bravery even when they are afraid.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, whether it’s trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The protagonist works together with others to solve problems, emphasizing how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of working with others and can be applied in team sports, group projects at school, and family activities.