This was a fun twist on a classic. The littles didn't understand but the older elementary kids had fun. Something new and interesting for sure.

Thank you to Netgalley and Twelve Oaks Publishing and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

such a fun and hilarious read, but I don't know about the targeted audience for this because I assumed it's for children, but it's way too dark for them to read it.

Book 018 of 300 ~ 2024

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Clever idea to do it based on the old lady who lived in a shoe. Great illustrations too ~ I liked them.

Then the last page came ~ select your end game.

NOOOOOOO... I dislike endings where I either have to determine my own ending or pick an ending.. ahhhhhh that's when this dropped by a star...

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A fund and cute children's book that puts a whimsical spin on a classic rhyme. The book takes readers on a charming journey with an old woman who, rather than swallowing a fly, decides to follow a spy. The clever twist on the original nursery rhyme adds a layer of intrigue and adventure, making it an engaging read for both children and those who enjoy sharing stories with them. With its creative approach and lively storytelling, this book is a delightful addition to any children's library, sparking imagination and laughter in equal measure.

I read this to my little sister and she liked it, but she just didn’t love it.
I got this book for her because she thought the title sounded interesting. And though it was an interesting book, it wasn’t what we expected.
First, let’s talk about the illustrations. They were pretty good. They were simple, but they were fun. Honestly, there’s no reason to complain about them.
The old lady was an interesting main character and it was fun to follow her around as she tried to catch the spy. The book also has a rhyme scheme, so that made reading it even more fun,
The plot was good, but my sister didn’t like how there could be multiple endings, and honestly, I’m not a fan of choosing your own ending either. In our opinions, it would’ve been better if this book just had an actual ending.
Despite that, this is a pretty solid book. It’s crazy, but it’s fun to read. I think one problem this book had though was the “perhaps she will die” line in the book. My sister thought it was funny, but she also thought it was creepy, so I guess that depending on the child, they’ll either find it entertaining or be freaked out.
All in all, I think this is a pretty good book. It just wasn’t what we expected. So if you’re okay with the whole “perhaps she’ll die” part and like fun, rhyming books, I’d say this is a pretty solid read.

Hold onto your kiddie-sized hats, folks! There was an Old Woman who Followed a Spy is not your grandma's nursery rhyme – it's a wild, wacky, and downright hilarious adventure that'll have your little ones giggling and you snorting like a pig at a mud party. Picture this: an old lady who doesn't just swallow a fly – oh no, she's got bigger plans. She's following a spy! And trust me, it's a spy mission like you've never seen. This book is a family affair that oozes creativity and fun. The illustrations are like a burst of confetti, and the story? It's like a rollercoaster for your imagination. If you want bedtime stories that are more exciting than a unicorn riding a skateboard, There was an Old Woman who Followed a Spy is your ticket to bedtime glory. So, grab your spy gear and get ready for a tale that'll leave your little ones begging for just one more story (or ten)!

I think this is a cracking effort and a great twist on an old classic. Written by a dad and a group of children and illustrated by his daughter, what a great idea. Anything that encourages children to be creative and write gets my vote. No, it isn't perfect, some of the rhymes are a bit iffy and I can see why the illustrations might not appeal to everyone but they are clever, with the spy hiding on each page and it is clear that a huge amount of work has gone into producing this.

There was an Old Woman who Followed a Spy by Thomas Furmato

I’m doubting this is a suitable read to young readers, it probably too dark to them. Spy topic is great, but it mentioned too many “die”. The illustration is not appealing, looks like just a low-cost production. The story content is repetitive.

The story has 3 endings for readers to choose, it’s fun to pick your own one.

A dark retelling of the Old Lady Who Swallowd a Fly. This time though she’s following a spy. You can choose one of three different endings to the tale. Although this is a rather dark retelling, I know there are going to be people who love it and also those who hate it. I think If your child is into spies it might be a hit. Go into it knowing there is the use of the word die multiple times. Perhaps targeted to an older audience.
The illustrations also did not capture my or my child’s attention. Perhaps a more modern look to the pictures would help.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the story of a woman who followed a spy rather than swallowing a fly. I assumed it’d be a young children’s book, but this was too dark for what I’d be comfortable reading to my kids. I am not sure who the targeted audience is; maybe older children already interested in spies. I also thought plot of the woman’s adventure was lacking and I did not love the illustrations. The three endings for the reader to choose was creative though!

Thank you NetGalley and Twelve Oaks Publishing for this copy. All opinions are my own.

This is an adorable new spin on the Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. This version of the story is great for parents and child who like mysteries or spy books/movies. We follow the Old Lady as she follow the spy by becoming a spy herself. I also like how the author gives the reader an opportunity to create their own ending. This is a great way to encourage/foster the love of reading, writing, and critical thinking.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

This was cute and unusual but I didn't get it. It was really too dark for kids and I'm not sure who it was aimed at. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I have always liked the old lady books. This one was cute. I liked that the old lady was adventurous. The pictures were simple but still cute. I like how options were given as the ending.

A fun idea and a diverting read, the kids will enjoy this. I found the idea of playing with the there was an old woman, and turning into a spy story, fascinating and intriguing. The story ends with three possible endings, which engages the creativity of the reader and allows them to continue the story on their own!