The children’s publisher Puffin has issued an alert regarding books authored by Andy Cope including those in the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pup series.

Within the books, there is a link which encourages children to find out about additional information told during the story. The link is intended to take children to Mr Cope’s web page, however the domain is no longer owned by him and instead the link will direct children to a web page now owned by a third party. This third party is publishing pornographic content. There is no suggestion that Puffin or Mr Cope are responsible for the pornographic materials, and the content of the actual stories are fine to read, however if any children access the link with the intent to learn more about the story online they will be exposed to highly inappropriate materials.

Puffin has paused sales, and libraries and retailers have removed these books from their shelves until further notice.

Schools are being asked to share information with parents so you can check your children’s books at home and speak to them about talking to an adult first before following any links within books that they read.

We do not have any books by the author in our school library.