What do you think?
Rate this book
The Spy in the Library
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jan 26The Junior Spies are at it again! This time, their mission is to memorize a name written inside a magic book. But Kat and Harry soon discover the name is encrypted with a cipher. Can they crack the code before a R.A.V.E.N. agent steals the book? Young readers will find out in this hi-lo spy adventure! With a high-interest topic and text written below the targeted grade level, every book in the Junior Spies series supports phonics skills and fosters reading success.
40 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 1, 2026
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 21, 2025
Evil agents have no chance when the Junior Spies are involved.
Kat and Harry are part of JS, Junior Spies, a group which constantly tries to thwart the evil association of R.A.V.E.N.. Their next mission sends the two spies to a magic academy, where they are to follow clues to reach a major breakthrough on revealing who R.A.V.E.N. is. They go undercover as guests to a magic show but need to figure out a riddle in the academy's library. Unfortunately, one of the teachers isn't going to let them wander around as they wish, since they are there for the show. But Kat and Harry aren't easily stopped.
This is a grabbing spy tale for beginning readers, and it's very well placed for that age group. It begins with a short introduction to the JS, heads into a glossary with the definition of some more difficult terms, shortly explains some spy details, and then, dives into the story. The spy details might need to be read by an assisting, higher-level reader (teacher, parent, librarian, etc), but after that, this tale fits beginning readers nicely. The sentences are kept short, the font is large, the spacing is ample, and the vocabulary works the word skills without growing too heavy. But what I enjoyed most is that the tale is grabbing.
Kat and Harry make a fun duo, and their mission packs tension. The importance of the mission is clear, and the riddles and clues will have readers trying to figure out the answers right along with Kat and Harry. The bright and colorful illustrations add details to set the mood, and especially make magic academy's teacher come across with just the right atmosphere. The entire thing remains exciting and draws in. Plus it accomplishes this while staying completely appropriate for the age group. Add a couple comprehension questions and short writing prompts at the end, and it even works well for classroom or homeschooling settings.
In other words, this is a book for beginning readers to pick up and enjoy.
Kat and Harry are part of JS, Junior Spies, a group which constantly tries to thwart the evil association of R.A.V.E.N.. Their next mission sends the two spies to a magic academy, where they are to follow clues to reach a major breakthrough on revealing who R.A.V.E.N. is. They go undercover as guests to a magic show but need to figure out a riddle in the academy's library. Unfortunately, one of the teachers isn't going to let them wander around as they wish, since they are there for the show. But Kat and Harry aren't easily stopped.
This is a grabbing spy tale for beginning readers, and it's very well placed for that age group. It begins with a short introduction to the JS, heads into a glossary with the definition of some more difficult terms, shortly explains some spy details, and then, dives into the story. The spy details might need to be read by an assisting, higher-level reader (teacher, parent, librarian, etc), but after that, this tale fits beginning readers nicely. The sentences are kept short, the font is large, the spacing is ample, and the vocabulary works the word skills without growing too heavy. But what I enjoyed most is that the tale is grabbing.
Kat and Harry make a fun duo, and their mission packs tension. The importance of the mission is clear, and the riddles and clues will have readers trying to figure out the answers right along with Kat and Harry. The bright and colorful illustrations add details to set the mood, and especially make magic academy's teacher come across with just the right atmosphere. The entire thing remains exciting and draws in. Plus it accomplishes this while staying completely appropriate for the age group. Add a couple comprehension questions and short writing prompts at the end, and it even works well for classroom or homeschooling settings.
In other words, this is a book for beginning readers to pick up and enjoy.
October 31, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
This short, beautifully illustrated book is pure magic for early readers. The mystery itself is simple enough for children to follow but cleverly written so it sparks curiosity and encourages problem-solving. The illustrations perfectly complement the text, helping kids visualize the story and immerse themselves in the spy’s playful adventure.
While adults might finish the book in about ten minutes, the real joy comes from imagining a child discovering the twists and turns for themselves. It’s a delightful reading experience that fosters excitement about books, reading, and mysteries at an age when engagement is key.
The story is also a gentle introduction to the concept of deduction and observation, encouraging little ones to look closely at details and think critically. Skills that are valuable far beyond the pages of this book. It’s short, sweet, and visually captivating, making it ideal for bedtime reading or storytime sessions.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! If you’re a parent looking to introduce your young child to the thrill of mysteries, this book is a perfect start. Charming illustrations, an engaging plot, and a short, readable format make it a must-add to your child’s library. I would love to introduce this to my baby niece.
Little Detectives, Big Adventures!
Have your little ones ever imagined themselves as spies or detectives? How do you introduce mystery books to children just starting to read? Share your favorite early reader mystery books in the comments. I’d love to hear them!
This short, beautifully illustrated book is pure magic for early readers. The mystery itself is simple enough for children to follow but cleverly written so it sparks curiosity and encourages problem-solving. The illustrations perfectly complement the text, helping kids visualize the story and immerse themselves in the spy’s playful adventure.
While adults might finish the book in about ten minutes, the real joy comes from imagining a child discovering the twists and turns for themselves. It’s a delightful reading experience that fosters excitement about books, reading, and mysteries at an age when engagement is key.
The story is also a gentle introduction to the concept of deduction and observation, encouraging little ones to look closely at details and think critically. Skills that are valuable far beyond the pages of this book. It’s short, sweet, and visually captivating, making it ideal for bedtime reading or storytime sessions.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! If you’re a parent looking to introduce your young child to the thrill of mysteries, this book is a perfect start. Charming illustrations, an engaging plot, and a short, readable format make it a must-add to your child’s library. I would love to introduce this to my baby niece.
Little Detectives, Big Adventures!
Have your little ones ever imagined themselves as spies or detectives? How do you introduce mystery books to children just starting to read? Share your favorite early reader mystery books in the comments. I’d love to hear them!
September 14, 2025
This was a fun read for an early chapter book that featured bright, engaging illustrations. I think the brief definitions and pronunciations of key words young readers might not have encountered before was useful.
The Junior Spies, Kat and Harry, were resourceful and figured out how to complete their secret mission successfully. I thought the code they needed to crack was a bit hard for this age group, however, and Harry solves it pretty easily. It would have been nice to show how he figured it out, rather than just announcing that he had. Kat could also have been given a bit more to do, as it was Harry who solved both the cipher and the riddle, as well as came up with the distraction that got them access to the library of magic books. I also would have liked a bit more explanation of the evil spy agency they are trying to thwart. What exactly are their aims?
**Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review an ARC of this book.**
The Junior Spies, Kat and Harry, were resourceful and figured out how to complete their secret mission successfully. I thought the code they needed to crack was a bit hard for this age group, however, and Harry solves it pretty easily. It would have been nice to show how he figured it out, rather than just announcing that he had. Kat could also have been given a bit more to do, as it was Harry who solved both the cipher and the riddle, as well as came up with the distraction that got them access to the library of magic books. I also would have liked a bit more explanation of the evil spy agency they are trying to thwart. What exactly are their aims?
**Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review an ARC of this book.**
October 1, 2025
Great book for a beginning reader to learn some vocabulary while developing critical thinking skills.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews