The Reluctant Spy

by Lois June Wickstrom

When Timmy spies a rat under his bed, he knows he has to get rid of it before Grandma finds out. But when Grandma enters his room, she introduces her little pet by its name, "Hildegarde." The rat is being trained to spy on a mad scientist neighbor whom Grandma suspects of causing a local earthquake. But when Hildegarde is trapped, it's Timmy who goes to the rescue. He has to become a Reluctant Spy himself! This juvenile novel employs real spy techniques, real animal training techniques, and real science to create an intriguing mystery with family values.

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[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.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timmy Covert is a young man in sixth grade, he is currently staying with his Grandma while his parents are away and his life with her is slightly unusual, especially when he finds out that his Grandma has bought a rat called Hildegarde, but he doesn't find out from her, he finds out when the little rat starts scraping the wall under his bed in the middle of the night, it also just happens that it is the same night as an earthquake hits Pillow, Pennsylvania, the town where Timmy lives with his Grandma!

As Timmy and his Grandma start to train Hildegarde, the neighbour next door starts acting in a suspicious way and so they decide to send Hildegarde in to see what is going on, so this is where Hildegarde's training begins with earnest, but that is not the only thing, which is strange in Pillow, a mysterious woman who speaks German and an FBI agent turn up on the Covert's doorstep asking questions and showing interest in strange things, not to mention that Timmy is still going to school and spending time with his friends and family all at the same time.

Will Timmy and his Grandma be able to train Hildegarde and make her some miniature spy equipment in time to solve the mystery of the earthquakes and the next-door neighbours' antics? This is a cozy mystery with a cute animal and her reluctant trainer as you follow along through this tangled web and become a reluctant spy yourself.

[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…

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read about a boy named Timothy who finds a rat under his bed. He's afraid of his grandmother finding it and screaming so he's doing everything he can to get it out of the house. Grandma already knows about the rat though and she's telling Timothy how this is a special rat. Hildegard is going to take them on adventures and help solve a mystery plaguing the community.

This is a longer read by this author. An emerging chapter reader could easily follow along with this book. There are a few German words scattered throughout, which is a great way to garner interest in a new language. True to this author's style, there are also STEM components in this story.

Overall, a great read that I recommend!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited when I found out this author had branched into chapter books, as my daughter has just moved onto these style books. And as a favourite author of ours, this was a must read. It was a shame to lose the illustrations from her stories (just because they are so good!) But the story was just as engaging and entertaining as her others. It was great that I could read this with her and it felt like we were both able to connect with the characters.
The story was entertaining and yet, as always, held a positive message for children to learn. And now I know the author has other books available, we will definitely be reading more.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom

The Reluctant Spy is a fun chapter book aimed for children ages 7-12 but I think children of any age can enjoy this story. This author is one of our favorites so we had to read it This one doesn’t have colorful illustrations to go along with the story but that didn’t stop my son and his imagination. Follow along with Timmy on his adventure of a lifetime when he finds a very special mouse named Hildegarde. What happens when they find themselves on a spy mission? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. We look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here I am again enjoying yet another great read from the author Lois Wickstrom. I have read multiple books from this brilliant Author but mostly the picture books. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw she had written a chapter book. It's awesome because I got to read it with my older nephew who usually enjoys the other books also. We both found it to be a very Unique and interesting book. We read it in about 2 days, reading before bed. As always I love how the author always adds in some learning aspects.i look forward to reading more from her both picture and chapter books 🥰🥰

[Ayla Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read! A boy with his pet rat that he is training to become a spy. We enjoyed partaking on the adventure with Timmy, his grandmother, and Hildegarde. It was a quirky good time that me and my children enjoyed reading together. There were lots of laughs throughout the story. It is good to be able to continue enjoying the imagination of Lois Wickstrom in chapter book format. She is a favorite author of my family. 

[Crystal Brehant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Lois Wickstrom's picture books with my son. They have always been a hit with us. This is no different! This book was fun and witty. It kept my son's attention (and mine as well). This book was a great adventure and flowed beautifully. Of course since it is a chapter book, it doesn't have pictures. It's all left up to your imagination. The job of an author is to weave details into the story so you feel like you are there with the characters. Lois did not disappoint!

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reluctant Spy is a really cute book that is a quick read and would be great for elementary readers (ages 7-12). The short chapters allow the book to move at a fast pace and the story immediately gets your attention relating to our unexpected character of Hildegarde. The tie in to science was interesting and possible aliens! I am so glad that I had a chance to read this and I look forward to passing it along to my sons for them to read. I mean, who doesn’t love a spy story with a really smart rat and the thought of aliens?!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another fantastic, adventurous piece written by this author. It has adventure along with teaching you something as well. The characters are relatable and like someone you would meet on the street. My daughter loves this author.

[Nina Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventurous Read! I just love this author and how she is able to draw you and keep you to the end. This story is more of a chapter book geared towards elementary age. Great introduction into chapter books. Recommended to all readers. Looking forward to the next great read.

[AnnaMarie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun story with great characters. Very enjoyable children's book, read it with my friend's son and he liked the story. We will be reading more by her together.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story of a rat turned spy. There are so many fun characters in the story that make this fun. My grandson really enjoyed this when we read it at bedtime. He chuckled at the adventures. He thought the German Rat Training lady was funny. A neat addition to the family or classroom libraries.