The Big Book of Spy Stuff

Publishers Weekly

This lightly illustrated, tongue-in-cheek guide to espionage (part of the Big Book series) explores a broad swathe of spy-related topics—everything from eavesdropping and code breaking to cyber-warfare and spreading misinformation—while referring to historical (and recent) spies and spy operations. King includes topics like assassination, but keeps the tone light ("Some villains are so mean, their assassination seems only fair"). Amusing anecdotes, such as when Madeleine Albright wore a bright bug pin for a meeting with the Russians (to inform them that she knew of the bugs they'd placed in State Department offices), should entertain while giving readers a sense of how espionage works in the real world. Ages 8–up. (Mar.)

School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—This primer is long, but the margins are wide and the type is large. Chapters cover everything from serious topics like high-tech espionage and surveillance to sillier subjects such as the best (and worst) secret names ever, the best-dressed agents, and everything in between. There is even a chapter on animal spies. Ancient and current (to 2010) techniques are explained. A humorous, chatty tone is maintained throughout; it's slightly more Get Smart than James Bond. Black-and-white cartoons add even more humor. A terminology list is included, as is an extensive bibliography. Unfortunately, there is no index. While the jokey tone can wear thin, this is a helpful introduction for future secret agents, especially those who will appreciate the author's sense of humor.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

My family and I are fans of Bart King's other books, especially The Big Book of Girl Stuff and The Pocket Guide to Magic. King always brings witty energy to his how-to advice and information. The result: well-researched, wacky compendiums over which kids love to pore. With the International Spy Museum located in our nation's fair capital, King's most recent offering, The Big Book of Spy Stuff, makes for an especially enthralling read for local youngsters (and tourists). King covers espionage, ethical issues, secret messages and spymasters; and chapter titles such as "The 12 Types of Spy Screw-ups," "Weird Assignments" and "Becoming a Pro" can only hint at the cool (and sometimes goofy) facts in store. Just an example: the chapter on animal spies reveals a CIA mission to float a robotic catfish, describes the use of glowworms in World War I missions and shows how to "train" your dog or hamster to be an undercover operative. Occasional black-and-white illustrations by Russell Miller add to the fun. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum

School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—This primer is long, but the margins are wide and the type is large. Chapters cover everything from serious topics like high-tech espionage and surveillance to sillier subjects such as the best (and worst) secret names ever, the best-dressed agents, and everything in between. There is even a chapter on animal spies. Ancient and current (to 2010) techniques are explained. A humorous, chatty tone is maintained throughout; it's slightly more Get Smart than James Bond. Black-and-white cartoons add even more humor. A terminology list is included, as is an extensive bibliography. Unfortunately, there is no index. While the jokey tone can wear thin, this is a helpful introduction for future secret agents, especially those who will appreciate the author's sense of humor.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI