Spy Penguins; Sam Hay, illustrated by Marek Jagucki

Spy Penguins is the first in a new series of crime-capers that stars two adventure-seeking wanna-be secret agents who are desperate to prove that they are up to joining the agency despite only being hatchlings.

Jackson and Quigley want nothing more than to join the FBI (the Frosty Bureau of Investigation). They are sure that their ice-cool inventions, fin-tastic plans and brrrr-illiant detective skills are just what the FBI are looking for.

But their latest invention attracts the attention of the FBI for all the wrong reasons and the head of the organisation is seriously unimpressed. When the two friends learn of some fishy goings-on at the local aquarium they are determined to show the FBI that they have what it takes to become secret agents…

Sam Hay delivers a fast-paced and highly entertaining mystery read about two brilliant penguins who are determined to crack a very fishy crime and show the FBI that even hatchlings are capable of being secret agents. Readers will love joining Jackson and Quigley on their crime fighting escapades that involve spying, daring plans and of course, the wearing of a disguise - in this case an invisibility cloak made out of sardine poop! There are plenty of flippers in a flap, inventions going wrong and just a little bit of mischief from Jackson and Quigley who have the knack of getting themselves into spots of bother. If there’s trouble to be found then these two will find it.

And fighting crime is not going to be easy for the duo, especially with Jackson’s eagle-eyed, or perhaps that should be penguin-eyed, mother watching their every move. There’s also super villain, Coldfinger, to overcome who won’t think twice about putting Jackson and Quigley in the deep freeze or feeding them to the sharks!

Penguin wordplay and amusing puns will keep the laughs coming as will the cartoon style illustrations that appear throughout. Readers can expect to learn a bit about penguins too as the occasional penguin fact is woven into the narrative (FYI -the wearing of a sardine poop cloak will probably not make you invisible).

This is one flippin’ cool read that is fin-tastic fun!

Recommended for 7+.