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Delbert #1
Delbert: The Reluctant Spy
Ten-year-old Delbert’s world is grey and glum since his grandfather died. Everything is a dull routine, and all Delbert wants to do is stay in his room. What’s more, he has to cope with an annoying next-door neighbour, Evie, who has committed her life to being in love with him.
But Delbert’s whole life is about to change when he is forced into a SUPER SECRET SPY MISSION to find a missing cat called Pandora. What seems like a straightforward job suddenly escalates into the stuff of real spy stories.
Bursting with humour and thrilling surprises, this fast-paced, action-packed story takes Delbert and Evie on a wild ride with an UTTERLY SHOCKING SECRET at the end…
But Delbert’s whole life is about to change when he is forced into a SUPER SECRET SPY MISSION to find a missing cat called Pandora. What seems like a straightforward job suddenly escalates into the stuff of real spy stories.
Bursting with humour and thrilling surprises, this fast-paced, action-packed story takes Delbert and Evie on a wild ride with an UTTERLY SHOCKING SECRET at the end…
150 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2016
320 people want to read
About the author
Marko Kitti
23 books36 followersMarko Kitti is a Finnish writer and illustrator.
Find more about Marko's children's books at www.jesperjinx.com and www.puffingtonhill.com
Marko's Finnish publications include two collections of short stories, two novels for adult readers and one novel for young adult readers. His Finnish novel Meidän maailma (Our World) was shortlisted for the Runeberg Prize in 2009.
Find more about Marko's children's books at www.jesperjinx.com and www.puffingtonhill.com
Marko's Finnish publications include two collections of short stories, two novels for adult readers and one novel for young adult readers. His Finnish novel Meidän maailma (Our World) was shortlisted for the Runeberg Prize in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 5, 2016
I've really enjoyed Marko's previous books, so when Marko contacted me about his newest book I didn't hesitate in saying yes.
Delbert hasn't been himself since his Grandfather passed away, no matter what his family do they can't seem to cheer him up. In a last ditch effort Delbert's brother makes a few phone calls, and before he knows it Delbert has been recruited to find a lost cat called Pandora.
Delbert: The Reluctant Spy was a quick read and is ideal for younger readers. The story was easy to follow and had a surprise or two. I loved the lion onsie and the reason for it, and if this can make me laugh then a younger child will find it hilarious. Delbert was easy to like and relate to, and although I could empathise with his feelings, I did like how he was able to get over it slightly to help out a friend.
The mission itself was not what I expected, but I do like how it went, especially the revelation. The images that come along with the story only help visualise what is going on, and I like how it's connected to Jesper Jinx.
Final Verdict
Delbert: The Reluctant Spy is a laugh out loud read that is perfect for children. Its quick and easy to follow which is perfect for those who don't want to read long books. After the ending I am looking forward to seeing what happens net for Delbert.
Delbert hasn't been himself since his Grandfather passed away, no matter what his family do they can't seem to cheer him up. In a last ditch effort Delbert's brother makes a few phone calls, and before he knows it Delbert has been recruited to find a lost cat called Pandora.
Delbert: The Reluctant Spy was a quick read and is ideal for younger readers. The story was easy to follow and had a surprise or two. I loved the lion onsie and the reason for it, and if this can make me laugh then a younger child will find it hilarious. Delbert was easy to like and relate to, and although I could empathise with his feelings, I did like how he was able to get over it slightly to help out a friend.
The mission itself was not what I expected, but I do like how it went, especially the revelation. The images that come along with the story only help visualise what is going on, and I like how it's connected to Jesper Jinx.
Final Verdict
Delbert: The Reluctant Spy is a laugh out loud read that is perfect for children. Its quick and easy to follow which is perfect for those who don't want to read long books. After the ending I am looking forward to seeing what happens net for Delbert.
July 14, 2017
Feeling despondent at the recent loss of his beloved Grandpa, ten year old Delbert spends his days and nights physically and emotionally numb. But when he is suddenly approached by his brother Sam’s girlfriend, Manisha, who proposes utilizing Delbert’s special talents by enlisting him into the spy business, Delbert (reluctantly) decides to play along, after an incriminating photograph or three are used to entice his interest. His first mission deals with rescuing a missing pet, while fending off the unwelcome advances of his adoring neighbor, Evie, who is too interested in Delbert’s activities for her own good. Boredom quickly turns into annoyance when Evie follows Delbert to a top-secret location, but he soon learns that he has signed up for a lot more than somebody pulling a practical joke, when Evie winds up in danger. As for the outcome... all I can say is the journey you take in reading this delightfully hilarious tale will leave you in stitches from the riotous laughter which ensues.
Being such a major fan of the Jesper Jinx series, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into when I decided to read and review the first book in the tales of Jesper’s younger cousin, Delbert. What started out as a planned out ‘half hour of browsing’ quickly turned into an engrossed read of laugh-out-loud fun and excitement, as Delbert’s misadventures seemed to take one unusual turn-for-the-worse after another. His ability to think quickly and take precise action kept me fully engrossed, as I turned page after page, and Marko Kitti’s talent shone through brightly, while I constantly wiped the tears of amusement from my eyes. Delbert is a smart kid, going through a tough time, but has the keen ability to sniff out danger, rescuing the innocent from foreseeable harm. Being ten years old is no disadvantage whatsoever to this kid, whose highly-suspicious nature tends to keep him coming out on top. I can definitely say that I am now a major fan of young Delbert, and cannot wait for my next fix of his remarkable adventures in the spy-world. I recommend Delbert: The Reluctant Spy to children and adults alike, as the imagination inside this book is remarkable in all respects, taking a firm grip on the reader’s interest from the beginning, right through until the (startling and shocking) end.
- Private Review from Rosie Malezer (Author and Literary Critic)
Being such a major fan of the Jesper Jinx series, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into when I decided to read and review the first book in the tales of Jesper’s younger cousin, Delbert. What started out as a planned out ‘half hour of browsing’ quickly turned into an engrossed read of laugh-out-loud fun and excitement, as Delbert’s misadventures seemed to take one unusual turn-for-the-worse after another. His ability to think quickly and take precise action kept me fully engrossed, as I turned page after page, and Marko Kitti’s talent shone through brightly, while I constantly wiped the tears of amusement from my eyes. Delbert is a smart kid, going through a tough time, but has the keen ability to sniff out danger, rescuing the innocent from foreseeable harm. Being ten years old is no disadvantage whatsoever to this kid, whose highly-suspicious nature tends to keep him coming out on top. I can definitely say that I am now a major fan of young Delbert, and cannot wait for my next fix of his remarkable adventures in the spy-world. I recommend Delbert: The Reluctant Spy to children and adults alike, as the imagination inside this book is remarkable in all respects, taking a firm grip on the reader’s interest from the beginning, right through until the (startling and shocking) end.
- Private Review from Rosie Malezer (Author and Literary Critic)
May 31, 2016
My Review:
Marko Kitti isn’t new author for me, I remember getting an e-mail from him asking me to review ‘The Jesper Jinx’ series which I loved. Obviously, Delbert’s losing and adventures wasn’t an exception, I could even said I loved this one a bit more. I sat down last night and promptly started having the chills and being a bit curious of what was coming next. As a teacher I assure you that this book is perfect for those reluctant readers you can’t get to pick up a thing.
Delbert is kid whose has been sulking so badly because his grandpa passed away. He used to be so full of energy and wanted to do things and his pop was his biggest hero but his parents wanted to have the old Delbert back. Though they didn’t understand it was hard for him to let go. I really loved this view because parents most of the time think, kids aren’t that affected from what’s happening around them. But they do get affected and sometimes more than we can see.
Evie is Delbert’s neighborhood and she is totally in love of him, but since they are too little he hates all the attention he gets from her.
Sam’s girlfriend is who set the action here. Giving him instructions and talking weird. Though Delbert think its all plan to get him out of his grey days. He goes to the ‘mission’ waiting to see his brother but every turn of the pages you notice that’s not happening and something is going on. Of course all this adventures are coming with hilarious moments and smells LOL.
Oh, and the illustrations are a bonus to such a good story, plus the Marko turns thing here and there and it’s amazing.
Overall, Delbert is truly a character that all youngsters will love and even grownups will enjoy. A book worth to read.
+Follow My Book blog: http://goo.gl/luMG7B
Marko Kitti isn’t new author for me, I remember getting an e-mail from him asking me to review ‘The Jesper Jinx’ series which I loved. Obviously, Delbert’s losing and adventures wasn’t an exception, I could even said I loved this one a bit more. I sat down last night and promptly started having the chills and being a bit curious of what was coming next. As a teacher I assure you that this book is perfect for those reluctant readers you can’t get to pick up a thing.
Delbert is kid whose has been sulking so badly because his grandpa passed away. He used to be so full of energy and wanted to do things and his pop was his biggest hero but his parents wanted to have the old Delbert back. Though they didn’t understand it was hard for him to let go. I really loved this view because parents most of the time think, kids aren’t that affected from what’s happening around them. But they do get affected and sometimes more than we can see.
Evie is Delbert’s neighborhood and she is totally in love of him, but since they are too little he hates all the attention he gets from her.
Sam’s girlfriend is who set the action here. Giving him instructions and talking weird. Though Delbert think its all plan to get him out of his grey days. He goes to the ‘mission’ waiting to see his brother but every turn of the pages you notice that’s not happening and something is going on. Of course all this adventures are coming with hilarious moments and smells LOL.
Oh, and the illustrations are a bonus to such a good story, plus the Marko turns thing here and there and it’s amazing.
Overall, Delbert is truly a character that all youngsters will love and even grownups will enjoy. A book worth to read.
+Follow My Book blog: http://goo.gl/luMG7B
May 28, 2016
James Bond look out, here comes Delbert!. . .or maybe not.
Delbert is an average kid who, due to his grandfather's passing, is in a bit of a slump. His family wants to cheer him up, but little does anyone know that this will explode into an entirely new direction. The beginning already masterfully weaves humor into a caring family situation, while still touching the heart as Delbert's love for his grandfather shines through. Delbert is immediately sympathetic and carries all the characteristics a boy his age should.
This isn't an average, every day spy novel, but rather takes a hysterical twist in an adventure very fitting for the age group. Delbert finds himself in the oddest situations, ones that he does his best to overcome. His reactions are realistic even when the situations shoot out of control, and it's exactly this which makes him so much fun. Misunderstandings, silliness and crazy predicaments guarantee chuckles and laughter the whole way through.
Fast paced action (not necessarily the average spy kind) fills the pages, making it a read not to put down. It's never clear what's going to happen next as the tension mounts. Even toward the end, when the mission should be wrapping up, surprises await at every turn. Despite all the nonsense and ridiculous twists and turns, the entire mess manages to end in a fairly sensible light.
Summed up, this is a hilarious read full of tension and action with a whole new twist on the idea of what it means to be an international spy. It's perfect for more reluctant readers, especially boys, and will have them hooked the entire way through. In other words, this is a series with tons of promise, and one I can't wait to see more of.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Delbert is an average kid who, due to his grandfather's passing, is in a bit of a slump. His family wants to cheer him up, but little does anyone know that this will explode into an entirely new direction. The beginning already masterfully weaves humor into a caring family situation, while still touching the heart as Delbert's love for his grandfather shines through. Delbert is immediately sympathetic and carries all the characteristics a boy his age should.
This isn't an average, every day spy novel, but rather takes a hysterical twist in an adventure very fitting for the age group. Delbert finds himself in the oddest situations, ones that he does his best to overcome. His reactions are realistic even when the situations shoot out of control, and it's exactly this which makes him so much fun. Misunderstandings, silliness and crazy predicaments guarantee chuckles and laughter the whole way through.
Fast paced action (not necessarily the average spy kind) fills the pages, making it a read not to put down. It's never clear what's going to happen next as the tension mounts. Even toward the end, when the mission should be wrapping up, surprises await at every turn. Despite all the nonsense and ridiculous twists and turns, the entire mess manages to end in a fairly sensible light.
Summed up, this is a hilarious read full of tension and action with a whole new twist on the idea of what it means to be an international spy. It's perfect for more reluctant readers, especially boys, and will have them hooked the entire way through. In other words, this is a series with tons of promise, and one I can't wait to see more of.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
Delbert is a new series of children’s books by Finnish author Marko Kitti and in the first novel, The Reluctant Spy, we are introduced to Delbert who as much as he doesn’t want to is recruited to be an international spy.
Delbert is 10 years old and lives on the south coast of England and is still grieving for his beloved grandfather and prefers to block out the world by staying in his room. When his older brother’s girlfriend requests his help to take on a “mission” and rescue Pandora from an old house he reluctantly agrees. He believes being recruited as an international spy is a prank his brother is pulling.
So Delbert has 1 hour to complete his mission, but will he succeed? Especially as everything is not as it seems!
Overall, The Reluctant Spy is a short children’s book that is written in an easy to understand way. Children, 8 years +, will love it.
Delbert is very reluctant to become a spy and it gets even worse when the girl next, who has a big crush on him, becomes his sidekick. This fast-paced short story follows how Delbert is dealing with the death of his grandfather and is humorous, thrilling and even has a surprise twist to end the story.
Children will love Delbert, he is a typical boy that children can relate to and will enjoy following Delbert on his mission and future missions in the series. All the characters are great and each have their own uniqueness.
He is no James Bond and really doesn’t want to be a spy. He takes on his mission and interprets things he finds as only a child’s imagination can making it an exciting read for children. I see this being a perfect light and humorous, fun-filled, thrilling and exciting story for children. I see this series being a big hit.
Delbert is 10 years old and lives on the south coast of England and is still grieving for his beloved grandfather and prefers to block out the world by staying in his room. When his older brother’s girlfriend requests his help to take on a “mission” and rescue Pandora from an old house he reluctantly agrees. He believes being recruited as an international spy is a prank his brother is pulling.
So Delbert has 1 hour to complete his mission, but will he succeed? Especially as everything is not as it seems!
Overall, The Reluctant Spy is a short children’s book that is written in an easy to understand way. Children, 8 years +, will love it.
Delbert is very reluctant to become a spy and it gets even worse when the girl next, who has a big crush on him, becomes his sidekick. This fast-paced short story follows how Delbert is dealing with the death of his grandfather and is humorous, thrilling and even has a surprise twist to end the story.
Children will love Delbert, he is a typical boy that children can relate to and will enjoy following Delbert on his mission and future missions in the series. All the characters are great and each have their own uniqueness.
He is no James Bond and really doesn’t want to be a spy. He takes on his mission and interprets things he finds as only a child’s imagination can making it an exciting read for children. I see this being a perfect light and humorous, fun-filled, thrilling and exciting story for children. I see this series being a big hit.
May 31, 2016
Since I greatly enjoy Marko's other work, Jesper Jinx, I expected to like Delbert's tale, and I did. I didn't expect to be crying on both the first and last page as well as several inbetween. For once this wasn't tears of joy. Bear with me, for yes I am giving a book I cried over top marks. Why? Well, it turns out Marko has portrayed the emotions of losing a much loved grandfather so well that all my grief at my favourite grandfather who died last year came flooding back. Given that I can struggle to put myself in a character's shoes if they are male, Marko has really outdone himself. I love authors who make me cry. And who make me laugh, which I did a lot more of than crying.
There are classic elements which seem to be Marko's style; there's the unusual name, Delbert, which is like Jesper's (who makes a brief cameo in this adventure); a crazy older girl who I adore in an I can't believe she just did that way; unbelievable situations which can only be real because they are too mental to be faked; lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings, and lota of other stuff that you'll simply have to read to find out what they are.
The secret at the end made me cry as I wished my grandfather could be in the same situation ever so much. There is sort of a crazy animal featuring in the book, albeit a little different to the animals that appear in Jesper's tales. All in all a brilliant new series which makes me laugh, cry, and be sad when I get to the end because I want to keep reading!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
There are classic elements which seem to be Marko's style; there's the unusual name, Delbert, which is like Jesper's (who makes a brief cameo in this adventure); a crazy older girl who I adore in an I can't believe she just did that way; unbelievable situations which can only be real because they are too mental to be faked; lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings, and lota of other stuff that you'll simply have to read to find out what they are.
The secret at the end made me cry as I wished my grandfather could be in the same situation ever so much. There is sort of a crazy animal featuring in the book, albeit a little different to the animals that appear in Jesper's tales. All in all a brilliant new series which makes me laugh, cry, and be sad when I get to the end because I want to keep reading!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
July 12, 2016
Synopsis: "Ten-year-old Delbert’s world is grey and glum since his grandfather died. Everything is a dull routine, and all Delbert wants to do is stay in his room. What’s more, he has to cope with an annoying next-door neighbour, Evie, who has committed her life to being in love with him.
But Delbert’s whole life is about to change when he is forced into a SUPER SECRET SPY MISSION to find a missing cat called Pandora. What seems like a straightforward job suddenly escalates into the stuff of real spy stories.
Bursting with humour and thrilling surprises, this fast-paced, action-packed story takes Delbert and Evie on a wild ride with an UTTERLY SHOCKING SECRET at the end…"
My Review: This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I have been an avid fan of Kitti's Jesper Jinx series and in the most recent book, Jesper Jinx and the Scrumptious Snacks, there is an nice introduction to this new branch off series. Several of the characters from the Jesper Jinx series are mentioned in this book but it isn't necessary to read it before this book. This is a silly and fun book that is targeted towards middle grade boy readers, but can be enjoyed by all. The action and crazy antics in this book will keep you reading and young readers turning pages, even those reluctant readers.
But Delbert’s whole life is about to change when he is forced into a SUPER SECRET SPY MISSION to find a missing cat called Pandora. What seems like a straightforward job suddenly escalates into the stuff of real spy stories.
Bursting with humour and thrilling surprises, this fast-paced, action-packed story takes Delbert and Evie on a wild ride with an UTTERLY SHOCKING SECRET at the end…"
My Review: This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I have been an avid fan of Kitti's Jesper Jinx series and in the most recent book, Jesper Jinx and the Scrumptious Snacks, there is an nice introduction to this new branch off series. Several of the characters from the Jesper Jinx series are mentioned in this book but it isn't necessary to read it before this book. This is a silly and fun book that is targeted towards middle grade boy readers, but can be enjoyed by all. The action and crazy antics in this book will keep you reading and young readers turning pages, even those reluctant readers.
July 15, 2016
Spies, a love-sick girl and a cat - who could want more?!
This wonderful book will surely delight both parents and children alike.
It starts with poor ten-year-old Delbert shutting himself away in his room after the death of his grandfather.
Like many of us, facing such a great loss Delbert's life is grey and glum. Nothing interests him anymore and he never wants to leave his room.
An unlikely saviour comes in the form of his next door neighbour, Evie. A tenacious young lady who had devoted her life to the long suffering Delbert.
As you can imagine, things begin to heat up and Delbert's whole life is changed when meets a cat called Pandora and he is forced into a Super Secret Spy Mission.
And that's just the beginning of the adventures!
The book just gets better and better
Despite its dark beginning, this book is full of funny snippets. It is action packed and a real page turner.
The Delbert series follows ten-year-old Delbert’s adventures as he trains to be an International Secret Agent.
Together with his annoying sidekick Evie, Delbert investigates some truly incredible mysteries all around the world.
The series comes with a bunch of whimsical illustrations, and is perfect for both avid and reluctant readers, boys and girls alike.
May 29, 2016
I have known Jesper Jinx for a long time now and was very excited to meet Delbert. He is your normal average 10 year old kid. The story goes on to show us how wrong Delbert and we were to think that. The story starts off emphasizing on Delbert's relationship with his grandfather, who has recently passed. We are also introduced to his parents, his wonderful elder brother, his brother's weird girlfriend and his neighbor, Evie. By the end of the story, the reader will come to love all the characters. The story is filled with adventure and lots of humor as we follow Delbert on his journey towards becoming an international secret agent. It is written in Marko's unique style, something you'd already recognize if you are, like me, a fan of the Jesper Jinx series and the language is simple and easy to follow. Overall this is a new series from Marko that you wouldn't want to miss out on. It is an easy and entertaining read, even for those who are much older but have perhaps forgotten to grow up, just like me! :) :P
June 20, 2016
This book was hilarious! We were all in the car (me, my husband, my daughter, my son, and his friend) and I was reading Delbert. I was laughing so hard that I had to read parts of the book out loud for everyone to hear! I definitely enjoyed this book and it made our 2 hour drive fly by!
I was certainly ready to read a cute little book that was filled with pure entertainment and that is exactly what Delbert the Reluctant Spy is! Honestly, I adored it!
The end made me so happy! It was totally unexpected! Really people, you need to read this book! It is technically a children's book but it is really for all ages. Or maybe I'm just a kid at heart! I loved it!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was certainly ready to read a cute little book that was filled with pure entertainment and that is exactly what Delbert the Reluctant Spy is! Honestly, I adored it!
The end made me so happy! It was totally unexpected! Really people, you need to read this book! It is technically a children's book but it is really for all ages. Or maybe I'm just a kid at heart! I loved it!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2016
A Super Spy Series in the Making
Delbert, recovering from the loss of his grandfather, is given the chance to train as a secret agent and is given a mission that he might not be able to pull off. His friend Evie is there to help him, whether he wants her to or not.
Author, Marko Kitti has written an entertaining and quirky first super spy story that I am sure children will enjoy. It has a lot of humour in it with some funny illustrations. The story-line is unusual and has a surprise ending.
An amusing book. Well done Marko.
Delbert, recovering from the loss of his grandfather, is given the chance to train as a secret agent and is given a mission that he might not be able to pull off. His friend Evie is there to help him, whether he wants her to or not.
Author, Marko Kitti has written an entertaining and quirky first super spy story that I am sure children will enjoy. It has a lot of humour in it with some funny illustrations. The story-line is unusual and has a surprise ending.
An amusing book. Well done Marko.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews