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

Jean Marzollo (Author), Walter Wick (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

With 24 million copies sold, the bestselling I Spy series is being relaunched with new designs and foil covers.

This bestselling book features riddles that send readers searching through 13 photographs that feature fantastical settings!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Were this volume the first in the I Spy series (I Spy Funhouse; I Spy Mystery) instead of the fifth, it would astonish the reader with its ingenuity. Once again, rhyming riddles direct a hunt for a series of objects in each of 13 sumptuously styled photographs, and once again Wick goes to extraordinary lengths to achieve just the right look. For example, in creating the set for a photo of an elaborate sand castle under attack by armored knights, he used two tons of sand, compressed it in a frame, then carved out the castle. In another noteworthy spread, titled "Blast Off," kitchen gadgets are arranged to construct a space station complete with launch pad; eerily diffused lighting seals the otherworldly effect. Aside from one truly magical shot (of a spinning Saturn made up of plastic toys) the volume goes no further than its remarkable predecessors-then again, maybe it need not. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 5-Another book of picture riddles from this creative team. Each double-page spread is a rich visual delight consisting of elaborate sets constructed around fantasy themes, e.g., "City Blocks," "Sand Castles," "Into the Woods," "Monster Workshop," and "Sweet Dreams." The clever riddles suggest things to search for in each large, crystal-clear, full-color photograph, although there are many other objects that youngsters will spy on their own. Even more challenging are the riddles at the end of the book that can be matched to the previous photographs. This volume provides hours of fabulous fun for children to enjoy with a friend or on their own. And best of all, there are no right or wrong answers, as the possibilities are only as limited as readers' imaginations.
Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel; 1 edition (October 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590462954
• ISBN-13: 978-0590462952
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Games

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaching and Old Dog to do New Tricks, November 14, 1999

By 

A reader in Lebanon, PA ([e-mail]) - See all my reviews

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

This book in the "I Spy" series was a long-lasting adventure for my children, ages 3 and 5. They were able to complete many of the riddles on their own, working together to solve them. Then we (the parents) jumped in, and we were hooked immediately. Once we solved all the riddles, we then used the "extra-credit" suggestions in the back. That prompted us to make up our OWN riddles from the pictures. Then, it got interesting....one day, Poppy (Grandpa) came to visit, and he saw the girls working on the Fantasy Book. He became deeply engrossed in this book, as I had never seen before. After 10 minutes, my kids were helping my father solve the riddles. Seems he needed a refresher course on powers of observation (although eyesight was mentioned once, but discounted). My father spent an hour of his visit working and playing with my kids on this book. I know what his stocking will be full of this Christmas. I can recommend that to others as well...not for kids only!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy in Every Page!, April 22, 2001

By 

"intentaccess" (Boca Raton, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

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

Unless your memory is photographic, you will find it challenging to find the things described in these rhyming riddles to be a brand new each time you open this. Pretty soon, the items in the puzzle all look alike. Growing a little weary of looking, you eventually call out for help, which makes these a great family time. Funny but the older the person the more frustration they seem to have. My children's grandfather still gets so amazed with these then he gives up and says " its not on there...I looked " then the three year old will spot that same object he was looking for. The I Spy Fantasy has the most unbelievable pictures. There are also extra credit riddles in the back of the book so these books never get old. My family owns each one and these are truly our favorite!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!, November 25, 2002

By A Customer

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

These are great books for distracting our pediatric patients (and parents!) during procedures/tests.