I SPY ON THE FARM

Gibbs brings a new guessing game (I Spy with My Little Eye, 2011; I Spy Under the Sea, 2012) to the youngest set.

Colors, which are an essential part of the original I Spy children’s game, are once again the focus of this clever die-cut formula. But this time Gibbs removes the factual clues and gives only animal sounds as hints instead. Farm animals, no less. Preschoolers everywhere are cheering. Each spread begins with the inevitable “I spy with my little eye…” and concludes with a colorful hint about a favorite barnyard friend. However, Gibbs does sneak in some letter recognition and phonemic play as well. The clue for the first animal reads: “something yellow that begins with a D.” It is likely that the watery pond background and the speech bubble loudly proclaiming, “Quack, quack!” will be all the clues a youngster needs, but reinforcing the d sound adds a welcome level of early childhood learning. Gibbs’ vibrant illustrations (the fiery rooster is particularly bold) and expressive eyes make this effort all the more fun.

A format that engages, entertains and delights—for the third time in a row. Let's hope for more.