Reluctant Spy

by Lois June Wickstrom

Timmy's Pet Rat Doesn't Want to be a Spy. But Nobody Else Can Sneak into the Mad Scientist's Home.

Timmy and Grandma train their pet rat Hildegarde to discover who or what is causing earthquakes in Pillow, PA. They meet a mysterious German rat trainer, a crazy inventor, an FBI agent who specializes in aliens, and a cholocate-eating girl.

They work hard to train the rat. They build spy equipment small enough for the rat. But when it's time to send her on her mission, does she have all the skills she'll need?

Watch Hildegarde, the rat, do her best to save the day.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2009

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom is a fun little children’s chapter book. It’s a little different from most of her other works as it doesn’t contain any illustrations, and yet again, the story is original and imaginative. It is also a much longer story than her picture books, so it’s great for reading a chapter or two at bedtime. This is an intriguing fantasy with a spy adventure element, mystery, action, suspense, a mad scientist, a little danger, a sprinkle of drama, imagination, friendship, loyalty, values, family, investigation, and a little danger.
Timmy finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime when he discovers a ‘special’ rat named Hildegarde at his grandmother’s house, then finds himself in the middle of a spy mission to uncover a mad scientist…What happens makes for a fun read.
Happy Reading…

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Hildegarde the rat and Grandma…though I do have a soft spot for pet rats :) Wickstrom has done it again with her chapter books…I love reading a chapter or two with my kiddos at night or during our weekly reading time. Wickstrom's books (picture and chapter) are so engaging and have so many lessons woven throughout them. I love Grandma's sense of wit throughout the book and I feel that Hildegarde had her own wit as well. Timmy's first meeting with Hildegarde made both myself and my kids giggle and I love his reluctance to really trust "a rat." I really miss the illustrations of Wickstrom's picture books because they are just so well done (I know, I know...it's a chapter book...but who says you can't have pictures too!). This is a great read for anyone wanting to spend some quality time with their kiddos. It really does make for a great read aloud.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Spy is a children’s chapter book full of mystery, suspense, excitement, a mad scientist, a rat trainer, and mysterious earthquakes. The story centers around Timmy, his grandma, and their pet rat named Hildegarde who is smarter than the average rat. Timmy and his grandma set out to uncover what is causing mysterious earthquakes in their small town. The adventure sees Timmy setting Hildegarde off to the mad scientist’s house outfitted with special spy gear. Hildegarde might be the only one who is able to find out the truth. The story is fun, entertaining and enjoyable with a mix of quirky characters added throughout. Timmy and Hildegarde have a special bond even though he was uncertain about having a rat in the house in the first place. Grandma is quite an interesting character with her sense of humor and witty attitude. An enjoyable read.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family and I have read several picture books by this author, so we were extremely excited to see her branch out into chapter books. I was a little hesitant as picture books are quite different, but pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this even more! My kids are 8 and 12, and I’m obviously a tad older, but we all gathered around and read this book in one day. I loved the cover immediately, and once I read the synopsis, I knew we were going on an adventure! The flow of the story is marvelous and seamless. I never felt jolted out by an oddly placed fact or chapter. This was such a fun and mysterious adventure where you’ll have a lot of questions that will absolutely get answered. I highly recommend picking this up for the younger ones in your life whether that’s in your family or in a classroom!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom is a delightful and charming story that follows the unlikely spy duo of a young boy named Timmy and a pet rat Hildegarde as they try to uncover the mystery behind the earthquakes in their town of Pillow, PA.

The storyline is engaging and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Timmy and Hildegarde encounter a host of quirky characters, from a mysterious German rat trainer to a chocolate-loving girl. The bond between Timmy and Hildegarde is heartwarming and genuine, making readers root for them every step of the way.

Wickstrom's writing is witty and lighthearted, with a dash of humor that adds to the overall charm of the story. The plot twists keep readers guessing, and the resolution is satisfying and heartwarming.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always a fan of the author’s picture books, so when I had a chance to read her youth chapter book, I was so excited and she definitely did not disappoint. I thought she did a wonderful job of weaving together a delightful and amusing tale that children of all ages will enjoy. I do miss the illustrations from her picture books, but the author did an amazing job of creating a well written and vivid story. I absolutely loved all of the zany and fun characters she blended together. The interactions between Timmy and Hildegarde absolutely cracked me up and I found his Grandma a really fun and interesting character. I absolutely enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking to read a cute and engaging story with fun messages for kids woven within.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom. This is a little bit different type of book from this author. Its for a little older kids who are just getting into chapter reading. Its the story of boy named Timmy and his pet rat Hildegarde and they are trying to uncover the cause of all the earthquakes in their town. This book is geared towards 8-12 year olds and its full of imagination, quirky characters and lots of fun. Will Timmy and Hildegarde be able to solve the mystery of all the earthquakes? Read this fun chapter book to find out. Its also a great book for families to read together or teachers to read to classes. I love this author and try to pick up all her books for my nephews.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Wickstrom has once again taken me back to being a young person. I so very much enjoyed this very adorable chapter book. It was full of amazing characters, a little mystery, friendship, loyalty, acceptance, and all the things that being a kid encompass. Lois has written the story so beautifully that illustrations aren't necessary. If you've got a young person, ages 7-10 (or any age, really, if they're interested, of course) I highly recommend this book (like allllll her other books) be added to your library. She is an amazing author.

Review By
Manda Kelly

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, there is “a smell of mystery in the air” and Grandma is determined to find out what it is. So much so that she has bought Hildegarde in to help.
It is a fun, mystery tale where everything is not as it seems. It is 180 pages of adventure and entertainment.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom is aimed for children aged 7 - 12 years.
What secrets does Timmy’s family hold? How does Grandma know what she knows? Can you actually smell mystery? Can you train a rat to be a spy? Who or What is Hildegarde? Where are Timmy’s parents?
These are all very good questions which will be revealed as you sit and read this story.

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this chapter book from Lois Wickstrom, its such a different read from her. In this book we meet Timmy and Grandma as they train their pet rat Hildegarde to discover the cause of the earthquakes. I really enjoyed this book I would recommend it for older children aged 8-12 years.

[Melissa Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first chapter book I have read by this author and she didn't disappoint. I would say this book is made for ages 9-11 years old. The world building and characters was well thought of. The detailing was great also. This was an amazing cute story. The book wasn't too long.