006 and a Bit

Fans of Daisy (and her Mum!) are going to love the latest in this deservedly successful series. Is Daisy in disguise, on the front cover? No, she is on a mission! She’s decided not to be a girl any more, but a spy! Intriguing in dark glasses and a felt-tipped moustache, and re-named 006 and a Bit, Daisy arms herself with secret spy gadgets from Mum’s bedroom (hairdryer, hairbrush and perfume spray). She speaks in code, but Mum just doesn’t understand her, and she soon finds out that no-one else does either. We feel Daisy’s frustration building as she realises her game is falling apart. In the nick of time, a mysterious stranger appears, in dark glasses and complete with purple moustache (and dangly pea earrings!). It is 0021 and a Bit! This is a perfect example of a picture book where the characters and readers can happily explore imaginative play. As always, Sharratt’s illustrations complement and extend Gray’s text, in perfect partnership. Just splendid. GB