Brenda Gurr, The Super Spy (The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes #3), New Frontier Publishing, September 2021, 112 pp., RRP $33.25 (pbk), ISBN 9781922326157
In the third instalment of the Zinnia Jakes series, we follow secret-baker-extraordinaire Zoe, aka Zinnia Jakes, on a tricky new cake mission. Zoe —whose mother was a famous pastry chef, and father is a famous food critic — is excited to attend her class sleepover with her best friend Addie. But when Zinnia Jakes receives a cake order for the night of the sleepover, her secret identity is under threat. How will she pull off a delivery to the parents’ spy party without being found out?
Readers will enjoy this fast-paced and colourful romp with Zoe and her friends, particularly the delightful feline sidekick Coco. The dialogue and school setting are relatable for younger readers, while the spy themes add excitement throughout. My only wish for the story (spoiler alert!) was that Zoe and Addie were able to solve the delivery debacle without Zoe’s dad coming to the rescue.
Overall, a fun, fast-paced and light-hearted read that both fans of the series and new readers will enjoy.
Recommended for ages 7 years and up.
Teacher notes available at the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Sarah Stivens.
