Kids (girls) and Spies

So it's a favourite genre in this house, the spy move/tv show.

My husband and I have enjoyed some bond movies, the Bourne movies, the Mission Impossible movies, and my husband loves the jack Ryan moves. We've ploughed through Chuck and Burn Notice many times. There's also Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Alias and Nikita (we enjoyed the 90's version as well).

It was a rather pleasant event then when my oldest, while we were looking for a book for me to read to her, stumbled across these books. http://ej12girlhero.com/

EJ12 A ten year old Spy who works for SHINE part time and is a typical ten year old the other part of her time.

Not only did we find these books, (and there are many of them) but Miss 5 was enthusiastic about me reading them to her. We've almost finished the first book now and she still reminds me to read her a chapter before she goes to bed. I love these books so hard. Not only are they spy books with a female protagonist, but she's of an almost relatable age to my miss 5, in addition to this there's, from what I’ve seen so far, a very strong hint of environmental consciousness involved in the stories as well.

This interest has led to further delving into the theme for miss 5. We're currently sitting through the first viewing of 'Spy Kids' and the craft projects that can come out of this, finger print lifting (more science than craft really), Fake ID making (is that BAD parenting?), Disguise making.

I did have miss 5 ask me recently though why the spy toys are in the 'boys' section of the toy in the shop. This of course led to me telling her there was no such thing as boys and girls toys and we proceeded to look at the walkie talking, torches, invisible ink books etc.

So why was I excited that my girl showed an interest in this stuff. Well aside from her otherwise disturbing preoccupation with princesses (damage done before I knew what I was doing) and her adoration of pretty pink everything, this was a chance to share something we enjoy with our girls. But these shows/movies/books demonstrate, courage, puzzle solving, self reliance, team work and a desire to do the right thing. And they do this without being all wrapped up in fluorescent pinks and purples and a layer of romantic/sappy material that makes me generally nauseated to think about.

I was happy to find that there was something for my girls to help them engage in this genre. Wile I don't see the need to for a female protagonist in order to draw girls into things, I personally never needed it, it seems to be a reality nevertheless and it's available. Check it out guys it's really pretty awesome.