Speedy Spy by Susannah McFarlane
Published by Scholastic Australia
Seventh in the EJ Spy School series, Susannah McFarlane’s Speedy Spy has all the elements of a classic spy story – hidden headquarters, state-of-the-art gadgets and secret missions – in an action packed story about Emma Jacks (Agent EJ10) to suit early readers. Organised into four short chapters, Spy School features short sentences, age appropriate vocabulary, large print and illustrations that enhance readability.
As well as appealing to young readers who enjoy the familiarity of reading books in a series, Speedy Spy would be a useful addition to levelled school reading programs where the inclusion of high-interest, low reading age texts is vital.
It should be noted that through central character, Emma Jacks (Agent EJ10), the EJ Spy School Series offers young girls the chance to imagine themselves in active roles.
CKT Book Reviewer
Author: Susannah McFarlane
Illustrator: Dyani Stagg
Title: Speedy Spy
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781921931987
Published: February 2015
Age: 5+
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'The thing I like about the Creative Kids Tales website is that the authors come across as real people who face the same problems that beginning writers do and that there’s plenty of practical advice.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a great forum for people who spend most of their working time alone. It is interesting and inspiring to see and hear what other authors and illustrators have to say.' - 
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'Creative Kids Tales is a brilliant resource – for established writers and those just starting out. I wish it had been around when I was a new writer. There are lots of invaluable tips and great advice.
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'If there's anything emerging authors struggle with (beyond the dreaded writer's block), it's receiving recognition or even acknowledgment of their work – battling for a slice of that incredibly elusive publishing pie. Georgie Donaghey has created a priceless promotional and networking station that allows new authors to not only share their work, but gain the courage and nous to take their work to a whole new level. Creative Kids Tales is a valuable addition to Australia's burgeoning children's book market.' - 
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'Emerging from one's chrysalis of anonymity into the prodigious world of creative children's writing and publishing is a daunting prospect. Georgie Donaghey's Creative Kids Tales is a superlative source of inspiration and information for the bourgeoning writer and illustrator. She has created an invaluable platform from which writers, both developing and established, can view, promote and share each other's work, and most importantly aspirations. A fun, friendly, and informative forum that everyone in the kids' lit industry can benefit from.' Keep it up Georgie! - 
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What a terrific, enthusiastic, informative and creative resource - of value and interest to so many people.
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Creative Kids Tales offers a brilliant platform for established and emerging creators to keep in touch and learn from each other. That is a great thing for this most isolated of all professions (apart from On-site Antarctic Penguin Imitators). - 
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'This is a great website. Nowadays, when getting published is so hard and staying published not much easier, everyone needs all the help they can get. And here's Help with a capital H!' 'Go Georgie! Creative Kids Tales is an inspiration for all writers of children's and YA fiction.' - 
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