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Ep. Nine: This Episode Will Self-Destruct: True Tales of Espionage
Welcome to Past and Pen
Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll
Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories
Author Website
Email: [email protected]
In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re decoding real-life spy stories that sound straight out of a mystery novel.
You’ll learn how George Washington stayed one step ahead of the British with help from a secret ink formula, how a lemon led to the capture of a German spy in World War I, and how agents in World War II relied on baking ingredients and ultraviolet lights to send hidden messages. There’s even a 110 year old lemon sitting in a museum.
Whether you're a curious kid, or a history lover with a sneaky side, this episode has something for you.
So grab your notebook and your imagination. It’s time to uncover what’s been hiding between the lines.
Reading List: Keep Your Spy Sleuthing Sharp
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids by Jim Wiese
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents by Carole P. Roman
Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Writing Prompt: Your Undercover Moment
Imagine you’ve found a letter that looks ordinary until you treat it with heat or a special chemical and secret words appear.
Who wrote it?
What does it reveal?
Does it warn of danger, lead to a hidden treasure, or launch an unexpected mission?
Write a short scene where the message appears at just the right moment. You can send your story, drawing, or ideas to [email protected]. I would love to see what you come up with.
Support the Show
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod
Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show
https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast
Question of the Month
You find an old journal buried in the sand. The first page says, "This summer something unbelievable happened."
What happens next?
If you are looking for even more reading fun, check out Wander and Wonder, a summer reading program for families. It is a parent and child book club for ages 4 to 12. You’ll receive recipes inspired by the books, a printable reading journal with creative prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.
https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundle
How to Create Your Own Secret Messages:
https://busytoddler.com/secret-letters-activity/
Instagram - How to Create Secret Messages
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGZPC62sErn/?igsh=aXRrMzlveGo5czVp
View all episodes
By RosieWelcome to Past and Pen
Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll
Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories
Author Website
Email: [email protected]
In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re decoding real-life spy stories that sound straight out of a mystery novel.
You’ll learn how George Washington stayed one step ahead of the British with help from a secret ink formula, how a lemon led to the capture of a German spy in World War I, and how agents in World War II relied on baking ingredients and ultraviolet lights to send hidden messages. There’s even a 110 year old lemon sitting in a museum.
Whether you're a curious kid, or a history lover with a sneaky side, this episode has something for you.
So grab your notebook and your imagination. It’s time to uncover what’s been hiding between the lines.
Reading List: Keep Your Spy Sleuthing Sharp
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids by Jim Wiese
Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents by Carole P. Roman
Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Writing Prompt: Your Undercover Moment
Imagine you’ve found a letter that looks ordinary until you treat it with heat or a special chemical and secret words appear.
Who wrote it?
What does it reveal?
Does it warn of danger, lead to a hidden treasure, or launch an unexpected mission?
Write a short scene where the message appears at just the right moment. You can send your story, drawing, or ideas to [email protected]. I would love to see what you come up with.
Support the Show
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pastandpenpod
Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show
https://patreon.com/PastandPenPodcast
Question of the Month
You find an old journal buried in the sand. The first page says, "This summer something unbelievable happened."
What happens next?
If you are looking for even more reading fun, check out Wander and Wonder, a summer reading program for families. It is a parent and child book club for ages 4 to 12. You’ll receive recipes inspired by the books, a printable reading journal with creative prompts, and hands-on activities to bring each story to life.
https://sweetmeadowlark.gumroad.com/l/wanderbundle
How to Create Your Own Secret Messages:
https://busytoddler.com/secret-letters-activity/
Instagram - How to Create Secret Messages
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGZPC62sErn/?igsh=aXRrMzlveGo5czVp