There is plenty to enjoy in Spy Dad, with its stylish retro illustration, intelligent humour & story with an important message. 
In the story Olivia has had enough of her parents being constantly busy. Her dads job as a spy means long hours so when he decides to quit to spend more time with her it isnt long before Olivia realises that they need something that makes them both happy. 
Like all exciting action movies the first double page has our hero in peril tied to a chair with a ticking bomb, he frees himself with seconds to spare and gets away hanging off a helicopter. Usually at this point the camera pans away as we breathe a sigh of relief that the hero escaped but this time we get to see him take a call from his daughter who is keen for an answer to the important question of getting a pet.

I really enjoyed the humour of the juxtaposition of the mundane with the exciting spy life. It also provided a remarkable backdrop to the theme of the story, a common worry for some families about spending enough quality time together.

This was a story I could very much relate to, while my occupation has more to do with spreadsheets & less to do with death defying adventures, as a family we do strive for a better work life balance in order to that we could all be happy.

A beautifully designed & smart picture book highlighting some of the tricky decisions adults face.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy