MITZI’S WORLD

“I Spy” aficionados will devour this artful search-and-find. Fifteen stirring folk-art–style paintings pay homage to daily life as observers search for more than 150 images within them. Classic Americana scenes depict rolling hills and quaint villages; over the course of one year, families ice skate during snowfall and enjoy summer by the sea. Thin lines add depth through feathered landscapes while clean strokes maintain natural symmetry. Succinct titles introduce each piece; Raffin’s conversational tone encourages interaction: “Can you find… eight cycles on the town path, an ice-cream cone (all alone)…?” The “teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy, ditzy Mitzi,” a little black-and-white dog, provides unity throughout, appearing in each spread. Text boxes are contained within thin borders against solid colored backgrounds, antique-looking display types coordinating with the folk-art style. Cool colors blend into golden tones and back as seasons shift. Pages combine the usual and unique: “Chilly Noses” depicts the crowded veterinarian’s office with an array of patients, including cat, bird and dogs as well as a snake, a skunk and a banana-carrying chimp. Playful fun. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)