Yolen, Jane. Commander Toad and the Intergalactic Spy. New York: Penguin Putman, 1997
Recommended for First Graders
Genre: Science Fiction
This story is about Commander Toad and his crew who go on missions to discover planets and explore galaxies in their green space ship called Star Warts. One day they are commanded by Star Fleet to go on a dangerous mission to pick up an intergalactic spy who goes by the name of Agent 007 ½. But this is no ordinary spy. He is space Fleet’s greatest spy, and a master of disguise. Commander Toad is excited. Agent 007 ½ is his cousin, and he is confident that he will recognize his cousin even if he is wearing a disguise.
The crew heads to Eden, a planet full of red, orange, yellow and pink flowers. Spies from all over the galaxy are on Eden to learn secrets from each other. Commander Toad and his crew must be careful not to pick up the wrong spy to bring on board the ship. That would be dangerous.
When Star Warts lands on Eden, a monster approaches the crew. Lieutenant Lily aims her gun at the monster, but it calls out, “Hi Cousin Hip.” Commander Toad yells, “Lily, do not shoot. That monster is my cousin.” Suddenly three similar monsters approach the crew, all claiming to be Cousin Hip. Lieutenant Lily is confused. Monsters keep coming towards the crew, all denouncing the others and claiming to be the real Cousin Hip. Poor Commander Toad is toadally overwhelmed, while the hoppy little toads lie back in the flowers sipping Croak-a-Cola.
Who is the real Agent 007 ½? Will Commander Toad and his crew solve this dilemma? Will Commander Toad recognize his own cousin? You will have to read the book to find out.
This is a fun and totally amusing book. Children will enjoy the play on words. The toads trick the crew, and kids will be delighted to help to solve the mystery of who the real Agent 007 ½ is. The plot is simple, and the action moves quickly. A very easy read