I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles [Hardcover]

Jean Marzollo (Author), Walter Wick (Photographer) (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: I Spy

This "I Spy" book uses rhymes and riddles to help children find different Christmas treasures that are hidden on each vibrant page. A photographic puzzle book features rhyming riddles that invite young readers to locate hidden objects--clocks, nickels, pickles, frogs, and others--among double-page spreads filled with holiday delights.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JEAN MARZOLLO has written many award-winning children's books, including the I Spy books, the I Spy Little books, and Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King. Jean lives with her husband, Claudio, in New York State's Hudson Valley.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel (October 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590458469
• ISBN-13: 978-0590458467
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fun for the Family Together!, December 12, 2000

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles (Hardcover)

Unless you have a photographic memory, you will find that the challenge of finding the images described in these rhyming riddles to be a fresh one each time you open a page. Pretty soon, the items in the puzzle all look alike. Growing a little weary of looking, you eventually call out for help. And then another person is drawn in. And then another. Pretty soon, you have the equivalent of a marshmallow roast around a campfire going on for all your friends and family.

There are 13 picture puzzles on the themes of ornaments, winter wonderland, window shopping, the holly and the ivy, winter sports, baking cookies, Christmas crafts, Santa's workshop, stocking stuffers, antique teddy bears, nutcracker sweets, under the tree, and Silent Night. As you can tell from the subjects, each puzzle explores a different aspect of the Christmas holiday.

Each photograph for the puzzle is almost two oversized facing pages of brilliant color crammed with details. At the bottom is a brief couplet, telling you what to find. It is in the form of

I spy an A, a B,

The C, a D;

Two Es, a P,

Some Qs, and a Z.

The images range enormously from large, obvious ones (7 pine cones) to subtle, partially hidden ones (the shadow of a star).

A separate photographic set was established for each image, which gives lots of variety of scene and lighting. Most sets were about four feet by eight feet and were photographed with an 8" by 10" view camera. Chicken wire, baking soda for snow, and other disguises are used to make it all seem like Christmas. Each photograph is in stunning color. I especially liked the one with the Christmas ornaments.

The book also contains some extra credit riddles, such as what item is in each photograph. You also get to match riddles with the photographs that the riddles describe.

And best of all are the instructions on how to use the photographs to create your own riddles.

I know it sounds simple, and maybe it is, but I never found it so. I did find it challenging, fun, and social . . . with my adorable daughter. It makes me smile to think of working with her to find the various objects.

After you have finished finding every last key, I suggest that you consider making your own book around a theme of interest to you and your child, godchild, or grandchild. That would be even more fun.

Look and learn to see!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Daughter's Favorite Book!!, March 30, 2002

By 

Frederick S. Goethel "wildcatcreekbooks" (Central Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles (Hardcover)

We bought this when my daughter was about 4 years old and it quickly became her favorite book. She had an incredible ability to locate items in the photographs that boggled my mind. And, she never tired of finding those items. She is now 11 and just gave the book up.

I was amazed by the beautiful photographs and the fantastic way the items are hidden in the photgraphs. I had as much fun reading this book with my daughter as she did.

If you want to find the perfect book to bond with a son or daughter over...this is it!!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book with Beautiful Photography., November 20, 1999

By 

ScSpec (Rutville, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my 6 year old niece and also for my 30 year old daughter! It contains beautiful photos of ornaments, vintage bears, and Christmas scenes. Great fun for any age. A bargain at twice the price.