Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--A debut picture book showcases young spies in a crime gone humorously awry. Two brothers, with brown skin and natural hair, plan the perfect heist called "Operation Lollipop." Their mission is to dodge their parents and the family dog in order to find the hidden treat in the house and enjoy it at bedtime. However, the brothers forget to take the unexpected into account and find themselves blindsided in a cute twist at the end. The story itself is entertaining, and includes as a bonus that the rhymes can be sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." While some words or phrases might have to be explained, kids will delight in the illustrations that further expand on the simple text, especially the makeshift devices such as "nighttime specs." Some pages, with speech bubbles and panels showing event sequences, read almost like a graphic novel. The illustrations are set against a dark blue or gray background to convey nighttime highlighted in bright green or orange. VERDICT This is a bull's-eye for imaginative children, and the singalong text invites participation at all ages.--Elissa Cooper, Helen Plum Memorial Lib., Lombard, IL
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Review by Horn Book Review
This pre-bedtime caper, set to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," cleverly showcases a precocious and charming sibling trio immersed in creative play. The story opens with a classic film noir trope -- a spotlit secret agent receiving a clandestine message; however, in this case our agent is a young boy in pajamas, and the message is delivered via paper airplane. The mission (aptly titled "OPERATION LOLLIPOP!") appears to be the brainchild of the boy's twin brother -- and, like most spy stories, necessitates gadgets, intrigue, and a rendezvous. A variety of well-designed page layouts drives the narrative, including double-page spreads and smartly sequenced comic panels that enhance Bigwood's spare, singsong-y rhymes. Only after the fedora-clad agent sneaks past his unsuspecting parents, sets up a tripwire trap, and eludes the family dog is the lollipop secured. A completely satisfying double-cross by the twins' younger sister builds to a sweetly comical conclusion in which -- spoiler alert -- the lollipop ends up in her possession. Krampien's illustrations are clear, cartoony, and boldly outlined. Additionally, her expressive colors, moody lighting, and keen attention to background details add both narrative and visual depth. A playful title for readers looking for a little action and suspense (and welcome casual diversity) in their bedtime story. Patrick Gall July/August 2021 p.69(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The Franklin brothers are on a mission, and it's called Operation Lollipop--but while the two boys execute their plans to liberate a lollipop from a kitchen cupboard, it seems another member of the Franklin household is out to foil the plan. Franklin Brothers Investigations--the other FBI--are working to recover a coveted lollipop after bedtime. They've drawn a map, planted booby traps, and selected rendezvous points to keep from being caught by their parents, who are just steps away from the prize. The two brothers use walkie-talkies and a tablet to keep in contact while one stays upstairs and the other executes the mission. At the final checkpoint, though, the secret agent realizes that he's been double-crossed when Secret Agent Girl (aka their sister) and the family dog retrieve the candy instead. This adorable bedtime book can be read to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and the meter and rhyme are perfect. The illustrations are full of action and easter egg--like details readers will enjoy finding night after night. Some of those cute details include the magnifying glasses on the secret agent's pajama pants, the child's drawing of the family that reveals the third sibling, and the sister secret agent's own "lollipop plan" on her bedroom floor. The family appears to be mixed race, the father and children presenting with brown skin and dark brown hair, mom with white skin and light hair. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.) Absolutely charming--no subterfuge about that. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
