CAN YOU SEE SEYMOUR?

The creator of the I Spy series is a genius at designing and photographing tiny landscapes and kaleidoscopic dioramas. The reader immediately senses something familiar, yet new in this paper-over-board. Once again, Wick offers the same photo-scapes format of diminutive objects, but here the participant is lead through the pages by a little toy named Seymour (who appeared in the first two of the series). Also, the sets are much simpler and essential. The same home-spun do-dads appear repeatedly throughout and a lone turtle never misses a page. The text invites the reader to find certain objects on every page, like a couple of ducks or a round yellow button, all the while asking us to keep our eyes on Seymour. It soon becomes apparent that Seymour is up to something. His wagon becomes fuller as he wonders through the block maze of scattered teeny toys. A blueprint is ultimately revealed, and it’s discovered that Seymour has a master plan. He also delivers the added treat of a nifty little craft idea. This is more than a seek-and-find; it’s a charming, interactive novelty. (discussion guide) (Picture book. 3-6)