Reluctant readers should be drawn to this brief overview of the KGB, CIA, and MI6's daring spies, missions, and escapes during the Cold War. Readers will laugh at some of the inventive gadgets that spies developed, including a dog-poop-shaped radio transmitter, and will enjoy reading about the wacky ideas that scientists proposed, such as bombing the moon. The whys of events aren't always explained (for example, why did Iranian students storm the American embassy in 1979?), some basic terms aren't defined, and dates aren't mentioned consistently. The black-and-white illustrations are copious, everything from period photos to clip art to maps, and while there are sources cited, some of them are not especially authoritative ones. Each section includes craft ideas, such as how to make a parachute, flying saucer, or carrot submarine. These activities are for a younger audience than the text (adult supervision is advised at times). Fun, but readers looking for more in-depth information will want to look elsewhere.