Customer Reviews

Puzzle Island (Child's Play Library)

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't know what "Horn Books" had against Paul Adshead, but it seems like all their reviews of his stuff insult the art and the target age level of the material. First of all, I read this book when I was in first or second grade like 30 times. I showed my friends, and even when I was alone, I would imagine myself of a real quest in Puzzle Island. I admit, the art is no Sistine Chapel, but it is attractive and brilliant in its own way. Also, I admit the puzzles are difficult, but that adds to the excitement. It caused me to take the book to school and show friends, as well as ask my parents for help. The difficulty made the book an experience, not just a quick read. It's fun, and it teaches a lot of different methods of problem solving. I'm a graduating High School Senior now and I have a 4.3 GPA with a 1500 SAT I score, and I read the book when I was young... coincidence?

Puzzle island is an extremely good book. But it is really challenging. I got the paperback book when I was 9, and just last week, I think I finally finished it. I'm going to be 14 in 6 days, so you can imagine how long it took me to figure out the secret. Actually, I'm not even sure if I got it right!! My advice to anyone that reads it is to be very patient, because no matter how old you are, you are definitely going to get frustrated. The vivid pictures are so unique and fantastic, your eyes are going to be all over it, looking for the hidden animals. Sometimes, you will look over a picture more than 10 times and still not see what's in it. But, ultimately, Puzzle Island is a magnificent book that I would recommend to all ages.

This is a GREAT puzzle book for kids and adults. It has
just the right level of difficulty to be fun for everyone. The
artwork is excellent for a hidden picture book and the
use of negative space is inspired. We've been on the
look out for more books of this type ever since we
solved the puzzle.

I brought this home from third grade one day, and I have memories of my mother (under whose name I am posting this review) and me poring over it, having so much fun with the puzzles, laughing over the double-talk of the mysteries ("My real name is hidden somewhere in this book," -- check the author's name on the front!). I gave it back to my teacher, later switched schools, and have been searching for it ever since.

You don't know how many countless hours I've spent leafing through every look-and-find picture book in the children's section of the retail- and used-bookstores . . . and then, at last, today Alibris helped me find this hidden jewel! It's marvellous. I couldn't recommend it enough. It's rare that a book from my childhood could imprint itself so vividly in my mind, and this is the ultimate standout. What a gorgeous piece of work.

I purchased this book for my 9 and 5 year old daughters. The artwork is SO beautiful, it is worth it for that alone. So, we have the added bonus of challenging puzzles to solve - pictures hidden in these beautiful scenes. My 5 year old is particularly interested in the search and find books, and was able to find some pictures on her own, some required more help. Some were even difficult for me! I've found it is a good book to use together. I've just purchased another of Paul Adshead's books - I'm sold!

Ive been working on this book since I was four, and I only just figured out its last secret. This book will keep you puzzeled for a very long time, but it's not impossible. The artwork is amazing, and there always seems to be one more puzzle to work out.

I found this book in the book shelf, and I remembered having read it before. I started on the first page and could not put it down. I stil can't find two animals, but otherwise I have solved the rest. I think this book should belong in the age group 6-100 because it is fun for everyone. I love the ending and can't wait till I read the other two books by this author, "Around the World With Phineas Frog" and "One Odd Old Owl".

Everyone seems to have a problem finding the fourth animal in Lily's Pond. But I have found it! Unscrambling AGILNRST gives the bird STARLING. It is very difficult to find but once you see it, it is very clear. It is at the top right hand side of the page directly below the letter S and the missing P of the frame. It is one of the leaves of the tree. The head is directly below the missing P and the tail is below the S and below another leaf. You have to flip the page upside down to see it. Hopefully this helps you all sleep better tonight!

this book kept me up for hours with my big sister, and she's 14. we would read the book over and over trying to figure out the puzzles! the detailed illustrations keep your eyes popping while trying to find the difficult, hidden clues. it has taken us many, many sittings to figure out everything; what we are looking for and where it is... but i won't tell! i can't even asume i know every secret about this book. i read constantly, but i have to honestly admit that this is the most fun i've ever had with one book, and my dad loves it too. since my sister and i are two years apart, we get into disagreements... but we don't ever argue about this! better than movies, i say. if you were to only have one book, take this; because each time you read it you discover something else, and i've read it at least 37 times! this is a great challenge, and a fun story.

My 5 and 9 year old daughters and I could not put this book down. It is challenging yet still lots of fun! I recommend that an adult work with young children on this one. Some of the hidden animals were hard for me to find! A young child may get frustrated and quit the adventure. This book offers a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to work together. See if you can you solve the mystery of Puzzle Island!