Candy Berg

I received a PDF of this book from the publisher as an ARC.

I love this children's book. The story is so whimsical, but at the same time securely grounded in how a child might misunderstand the world around them. In this case, interpreting everything her dad does into a spy story.

Fantastic!

But it is the illustrations by Isabela Flores de Moura that really make the story come alive as the little girl explores the clues that prove to her that her Dad is a Russian spy. So much detail to explore, show more although I couldn't find the friend said to be hidden in every page. I do love the UFO out the window though. show less

My Dad is a Russian Spy by Candy Berg—an early reviewer:
First of all, the current political climate has rendered this title most unfortunate; if it had read
“foreign spy” or perhaps “undercover agent” it may have been more acceptable—but hindsight is 20/20.
That said, I thought that the premise of the story was quite accurate: I think that most kids wonder about their parents’ “other lives”—Dads’ more so than Moms’ simply because they are usually around Moms more. It show more also touches on how a child can misinterpret “evidence” when they get on a roll (actually, many of us could be guilty of the same failing).
This a charming and sweet little book and it is a good conversation starter both from the standpoint of how one must be careful about jumping to conclusions as well as for uncovering misunderstandings that your own young reader may be harboring. The illustrations keep the story light and make it clear that the little girl loves her Dad no matter what she may suspect. show less

This was a fun activity that kept the children amused during the school holidays. We did it over a couple of days as it takes some length of concentration.

Promotes hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and elements of patients and concentration.

The book comes with 20 cute spring designs plus blank pages to work with. We used thick coloured craft paper and hung the finished product on the window - like a light catcher.

You will need a thump tack, bulldog clip or paper clip and something show more soft to place the sheets on so the pin will prick through. I used sheets of EVA foam. show less

What a cute and imaginative book. A young girl believes her father is a Russian spy because he has a briefcase with a numbered lock, he travels for work, he speaks the language of business using words like CEO and ASAP. Even their vacations become something a spy would do from this young child's perspective. I loved this cute book. A look into the imagination of the youngest child and the way they make sense of the world they may not understand.