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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Hannah Porter

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Here I am again enjoying yet another great read from the author Lois Wickstrom. I have read multiple books from this brilliant Author but mostly the picture books. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw she had written a chapter book. It’s awesome because I got to read it with my older nephew who usually enjoys the other books also. We both found it to be a very Unique and interesting book. We read it in about 2 days, reading before bed. As always I love how the author always adds in some learning aspects.i look forward to reading more from her both picture and chapter books 🥰🥰

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Reluctant SpyReluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am always a fan of the author’s picture books, so when I had a chance to read her youth chapter book, I was so excited and she definitely did not disappoint. I thought she did a wonderful job of weaving together a delightful and amusing tale that children of all ages will enjoy. I do miss the illustrations from her picture books, but the author did an amazing job of creating a well written and vivid story. I absolutely loved all of the zany and fun characters she blended together. The interactions between Timmy and Hildegarde absolutely cracked me up and I found his Grandma a really fun and interesting character. I absolutely enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking to read a cute and engaging story with fun messages for kids woven within.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Emily H

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hair raising adventure for young children. I like the folklore of this story and the adventures the children take. Beautiful illustrations only help add to the fantastical world Craig and Linda are in. I think this is a great series to help peak interest in other countries. Has a little bit of everything you would look for in an adventure book.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6591435-nessie-and-the-celtic-maze” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348004429l/6591435._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6591435-nessie-and-the-celtic-maze”>Nessie and the Celtic Maze</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2948111.Lois_June_Wickstrom”>Lois June Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6311039340″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Craig and Linda are on vacation again. Yaayy!! When Jacques has the kids coming with him on the fishing boat, Craig and Linda’s parents worry after their last adventure. They don’t want the kids seeing or talking about any monsters. Well this time Nessie needs there help to rescue Princess Sheona. She got trapped in the maze by a bunch of boulders. Craig and Linda do what they know best. Help Nessie!<br />This book was really good and a super fun little adventure.
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Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jayme Raffauf

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Spy is a really cute book that is a quick read and would be great for elementary readers (ages 7-12). The short chapters allow the book to move at a fast pace and the story immediately gets your attention relating to our unexpected character of Hildegarde. The tie in to science was interesting and possible aliens! I am so glad that I had a chance to read this and I look forward to passing it along to my sons for them to read. I mean, who doesn’t love a spy story with a really smart rat and the thought of aliens?!

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Reluctant SpyReluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Hildegarde the rat and Grandma…though I do have a soft spot for pet rats 🙂 Wickstrom has done it again with her chapter books…I love reading a chapter or two with my kiddos at night or during our weekly reading time. Wickstrom’s books (picture and chapter) are so engaging and have so many lessons woven throughout them. I love Grandma’s sense of wit throughout the book and I feel that Hildegarde had her own wit as well. Timmy’s first meeting with Hildegarde made both myself and my kids giggle and I love his reluctance to really trust “a rat.” I really miss the illustrations of Wickstrom’s picture books because they are just so well done (I know, I know…it’s a chapter book…but who says you can’t have pictures too!). This is a great read for anyone wanting to spend some quality time with their kiddos. It really does make for a great read aloud.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom

The Reluctant Spy is a fun chapter book aimed for children ages 7-12 but I think children of any age can enjoy this story. This author is one of our favorites so we had to read it This one doesn’t have colorful illustrations to go along with the story but that didn’t stop my son and his imagination. Follow along with Timmy on his adventure of a lifetime when he finds a very special mouse named Hildegarde. What happens when they find themselves on a spy mission? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. We look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto Book #3) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Angela Hayes

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Nessie and the Celtic Maze is the third book in the Nessie’s Grotto series by Lois Wickstrom. This continues the ‘Nessie’s Grotto’ adventures in the intriguing chapter storybook series for children aged 7 – 12 years-old.
It is another epic fantasy with adventure, myths & legends, action, family dynamics, drama, emotion, suspense, challenges, tension, a rescue, friendships, and more.
To help bring everything to life, there are some cute illustrations sprinkled throughout the storybook which help to set the scene.
The story is woven around Loch Ness, Nessie – the Loch Ness Monster, a secret passageway, a friend in need, a rescue mission, and the challenges that brings. What happens makes for an intriguing read.
The series:
-Nessie and the Living Stone (Book #1)
-Nessie and the Living Gold (Book #2)
-Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Book #3)
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lois Wickstrom!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful read! A boy with his pet rat that he is training to become a spy. We enjoyed partaking on the adventure with Timmy, his grandmother, and Hildegarde. It was a quirky good time that me and my children enjoyed reading together. There were lots of laughs throughout the story. It is good to be able to continue enjoying the imagination of Lois Wickstrom in chapter book format. She is a favorite author of my family. 

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Carrie Reed

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun third book to the Nessie series. I think Craig and Linda’s parents by the end of this book are about tired of hearing the words “Nessie” and “monsters” and they may not take a vacation near water ever again. I really liked the magic of Craig and Linda going through the maze to help Princess Sheona, starting in Canada and ending up in Scotland, where they first met Nessie. It seems there is a new hero to help Nessie out in place of Craig and Linda, Angus. It was entertaining to read from the Canadian side of the maze with Craig and Linda and then switch to the Scottish side with Angus and his mother. I like how Angus’ mom encouraged him the whole time and helped him accept the task of being a courageous knight to save Princess Sheona.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Sarah King

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Wickstrom’s third book in her Nessie’s Grotto series. My niece and nephew couldn’t wait to see what would happen on Craig and Linda’s summer adventures this year. They have enjoyed several of Wickstrom’s other books, including the first two in this series. They have really been drawn into each book in the series, looking forward to the next. The illustrations are well done and engaging. I would recommend this book to others.

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited when I found out this author had branched into chapter books, as my daughter has just moved onto these style books. And as a favourite author of ours, this was a must read. It was a shame to lose the illustrations from her stories (just because they are so good!) But the story was just as engaging and entertaining as her others. It was great that I could read this with her and it felt like we were both able to connect with the characters.
The story was entertaining and yet, as always, held a positive message for children to learn. And now I know the author has other books available, we will definitely be reading more.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Reviewed by Phylis Carpenter February 2024

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read some of the other Nessie books and love Linda and Craig’s adventures. This one is a quick read as I finished it in one evening.

Linda and Craig love the chance to see Nessie when they go on vacation, however, their parents think it is too dangerous for them in the water looking for a monster. So this year, instead of taking them to Loch Ness on vacation, they decided to go to Canada.

They wanted their children to be safe with no chance of monsters. They didn’t know that Nessie needed Linda and Craig and would find a way to get them.

My grandchildren would enjoy this book

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Treasure Hunt is Book Four in the Grandma’s Closet Series. It is a delightful children’s book that follows the adventures of a young girl named Carrie. When a potted plant arrives from the florist on Carrie’s doorstep the care instructions say to Dowse the plant. Carrie remembers that one of the boxes left in the closet when Grandma moved across town was labelled Dowse. She goes to the closet and inside the box finds two dousing rods which she uses to try to find treasure. What Carrie finds in her adventure is far more valuable than water or buried treasure. A great book with an important underlying message about what is truly important in life. I love how the author can take a simple story and make it whimsical, fun, and entertaining for children while also conveying important messages and lessons. The illustrations are colorful and really bring the story to life.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alyssa McLean

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The illustrations are beautiful. I like how the book is just the right length for my son. It keeps his attention and makes him excited for story time. He likes the repeating characters and being able to recognize them.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carrie’s mom received flowers in the mail with a note on how to take care of them. As she read the note she recognized a word – dowse. She recognized that this word was on one of her Grandma’s boxes in the closet. Carrie opened the box and they had dowsing rods in it with a note that they would find treasure. She goes on a hunt for treasure and it isn’t till the end where she finds her true treasure – Grandma. Grandma also has a new box for her with no label. When Carrie asks what it is, Grandma tells her she will know when she’s ready.
I did like that keywords were highlighted to help kids with vocabulary. As a story, it was just okay. There wasn’t much explanation of what dowsing rods actually are, the story felt like it jumped from one topic to another, and then it ended without finding out what was in the box. I always feel this author’s books are discombobulated.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, February 2024

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom’s Treasure Hunt is another winner! Carrie’s journey with the dowsing rods is captivating, and Wickstrom’s storytelling draws you right in. The illustrations are beautiful, adding to the magic of the tale. Wickstrom has a talent for turning everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. It’s a heartwarming story about family and finding true treasures. Kids will adore the enchanting elements sprinkled throughout the book, while parents will appreciate its meaningful message. Treasure Hunt is a delightful addition to Wickstrom’s Grandma’s Closet series, sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3LZ9JSZYIZ8PG/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6300253107
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3628575090

Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Each time I pick up a book from this author, my family and I go on a wonderful adventure! My kids always get super excited when I let them know we’re starting a Lois Wickstrom book. This one is the third book in the Grandma’s Closet series, and I loved it just as much as the others! Carrie has a special relationship with her grandmother, so when she moved, it was a bit difficult for her. Her Grandma left some boxes behind that Carrie explores and finds dowsing rods. You’ll never guess what happens after that, but it’s an amazing tale of finding treasure in the unexpected. I highly recommend sharing this with the young ones in your life as you will enjoy it as much as they do!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I love all of Lois Wickstrom’s books. This grandma’s closet series is our favorite. It has a special place for us. I think this one was our favorite so far. We loved that Carrie thought grandma was the treasure she was looking for. Her grandma says it is something else. We can’t wait to find out what the treasure really is!

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun adventure by Lois Wickstrom. This time Carrie finds dowsing rods and sets out to find some treasure. Do they really work? She definitely finds something valuable in the end. I definitely recommend this book.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Lois Wickstrom books. I haven’t read one I didn’t love. She has a way of telling stories that just draw you in. As an adult, I find that an amazing quality in an author. My nephew is 4 and he adores her stories, we look at the pictures and talk about what the story means, and even though he is usually not 100% clear on whats going on, he still enjoys them. I absolutely suggest this book should
be in any classroom library.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

Lots of imagination this one. Author has always done a great job opening up children’s minds. Easy to read and follow along. Always enjoy able stories, that will have you talking after your reading is finished. Recommend for your library at home for little ones in years and heart.Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lots of imagination this one. Author has always done a great job opening up children’s minds. Easy to read and follow along. Always enjoy able stories, that will have you talking after your reading is finished. Recommend for your library at home for little ones in years and heart.

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

Reluctant SpyReluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom. This is a little bit different type of book from this author. Its for a little older kids who are just getting into chapter reading. Its the story of boy named Timmy and his pet rat Hildegarde and they are trying to uncover the cause of all the earthquakes in their town. This book is geared towards 8-12 year olds and its full of imagination, quirky characters and lots of fun. Will Timmy and Hildegarde be able to solve the mystery of all the earthquakes? Read this fun chapter book to find out. Its also a great book for families to read together or teachers to read to classes. I love this author and try to pick up all her books for my nephews.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom. I love this author so much and I pick up all her books. My 5 year old nephew loves them too and we always read them together. This series is about what Grandma left in the closet at Carrie’s house when Grandma moved out. Carrie feels really close to her Grandma when she finds things in this closet. Today she finds Dowsing Rods and Grandma’s note says Dowsing is more than just getting wet. Carrie decides to really look into Dowsing rods and their different meanings so the adventure begins. These books make great gifts for families and teachers. Pick up this fun little book for an adventure with your kids!

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute children’s book about seeing the precious gifts in your life. Using the dowsing rods she finds in her grandma’s closet, Carrie finds out that there are many kinds of treasures, not just the gold she first went looking for. This is such a cute adventure which many kids will enjoy reading.

Lois Wickstrom is a fantastic children’s author and my family has read and enjoyed several of her books. This book has some beautifully rendered illustrations as well. Treasure Hunt is one of our favorites because it lets you see the truly precious gifts in your life.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another great story in the Grandma’s Closet series. In this story, Carrie finds dowsing rods in her Grandma’s Keep Closet and she learns that whatever she asks them to find, they will. When she’s not impressed with her initial asks (gold and water) she asks them to find something valuable. The rods lead her to something extremely valuable (plus another surprise…perhaps for another story). As I always say with Wickstrom’s books, I absolutely love her ability to intertwine science and “school” learning with “emotional” learning and life lessons and this story is no different. I really enjoy the Grandma’s Closet series and am looking forward to the next installment.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Julie Johnson

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great adventure awaits when Craig and Linda get to explore the maze and free Princess Sheona. Of course, their parents aren’t happy about their previous adventures but feel like it’s safe to let them go diving since they are nowhere near Nessie.

This book is geared more towards emerging readers and is a chapter book. I love that this author writes across a span of age groups for kids. Her stories are very engaging and full of adventure. There are oftentimes scientific angles to the stories as well!

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet Book 3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic read from Lois Wickstrom. We follow Carrie as she discovers the things that her grandma left behind. I love the relationship between them, it reminds me of the relationship I had with my grandma. Highly recommended.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good kid’s book that is a fun story about recognizing different types of treasure in your life. Treasure Hunt is the fourth book in the Grandma’s Closet Series. Very age-appropriate vocabulary for newer readers and would be an easy read for early elementary kids. A cute story about Carrie and her hunt for treasure in unexpected places using the dowsing rods she found in Grandma’s closet.

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