Enter of world of sentient toys and genetically engineered mascots. I liked the idea of this story!

But there was something about it, that I just didn’t enjoy. One example - in one scene, in the pictures, the restraints look like ropes - but in the text they are described as straps or constraints. The only reason I noticed this was because I wondered why Dan couldn’t break a simple rope if he was so strong? (He can rip off the door of a van but can’t break a rope?)

And I feel like a lot of the story was like this - it was a cute idea, and had some potential - but the execution was a bit silly and pointless.

I mean, I know it sounds stupid to say that this story about 3 living toys wasn’t realistic, but you know when writing feels like it’s actual dialogue versus when it’s just contrived and doesn’t really sound like somebody would say it out loud? It has the feel of a self-published book without much editing.

Sometimes the level of silliness makes it sound like it was written <i>by</i> kids, not <i>for</i> kids.

I just didn’t think it was particularly good or funny.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for a copy in return for an honest review.</i>

There's nothing terribly wrong with this book, it's just sort of empty. It starts with a decent concept, of rejected toys finding a role in society. It just doesn't try very hard to tell a real story, to be a message beyond simple entertainment. Doesn't take itself seriously.

This book is as fun and exciting as it sounds! Always a pushover for misfits, the premise of “Spy Toys” caught my fancy quick! I loved this book and the toys in it, from their silly names to their witty banter. There are also many little morals taught and lessons learned while reading this adventure which would bring up some great discussion points for teachers and parents. Move over Toy Story, we have a new crew of bandits, a fresh adventure and the promise of even more shenanigans!

When the Snaztacular Ultrafun toy company finds toys that don't meet their exacting specifications, they are sent to the discard pile. On the way there, Arabella (a doll who hates children) and Dan (a teddy bear who hugs too hard) manage to escape from the factory only to be caught in a net just outside. Luckily, they meet and our rescued by Flax (a toy police rabbit gone rouge). Soon, they are recruited by Auntie Roz, who wants them to be undercover bodyguards. They have very sketchy training and are soon sent to watch the prime minister's son. There is a conspiracy masterminded by genetically engineered cereal mascot, Rusty Flumptrunk, an evil elephant, and it's up to the toys to make sure he doesn't cause too much trouble. They make some mistakes along the way, but in the end, the toys are able to triumph over evil.
Strengths: These are lots of pictures, and the length of this is just over 200 pages, which is perfect for middle grade readers. There's a fair amount of good spy details, lots of goofiness, and
Weaknesses: The addition of toys makes this more of an elementary school title, since middle school children whose parents are in positions of power are always guarded by other middle school children.
What I really think: I'm going back and forth on this one. On the one hand, my struggling readers are also slightly immature, so they might be okay with the toys, as long as there are pictures. On the other, I didn't much care for any of the characters in the book, which makes it hard for me to really get behind the story.

Spy Toys by Mark Powers was a quick, easy read that had you laughing and hoping for the best all at the same time. The premise of the story with defective toys being asked to help was intriguing and funny. The book brought to light the sad state of affairs with the relationships between children and parents. That parents just no longer have time to engage with and watch their own children and those jobs are now left to toys. It was sad, but the book handled it in such a hilarious way that you couldn't help but enjoy the story, characters and plot. I think that reluctant readers will find this book fun, engaging and easy to read with limited text on the page with illustrations scattered throughout. You will quickly fall in love with Dan and his crew and wonder what adventures they will go on next!