These books make me so nostalgic, and the this one just has such a lovely, Christmassy charm to it! ( )

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As with most I Spy books, the pictures here are the star of the show. Thirteen gorgeous full-color spreads, each on a different Christmas theme, help set the festive tone. This collection of photos is special, too, because of the extensive collection of vintage items featured in this book. Marzollo and Wick had access to what they called “extraordinary collections” of antique teddy bears, antique ornaments, and handcrafted decorations, all of which add an old-timey flavor that enhances the book. As for the puzzles themselves, some of the items are easy to find, while others are more challenging, so this book can be enjoyed by children of different ages who want to engage with the book at different levels. The back matter contains additional challenges, as well as information about the process of making each picture. This is sure to be a favorite for children and adults alike. ( )

I hesitate to list this book as a children’s book, because it will appeal to adults as well. The photography is fantastic, and finding all the items listed in the riddles is certainly not just child’s play! Settle down by yourself or with a favorite friend and see who can the items first. Be sure to read how the pictures were made - it’s quite interesting. ( )

The I Spy series features lush photographs crammed with an astounding variety of objects, some prominent and some hidden, that follow a particular theme. This book is all about Christmas. Each two-page spread has a title in the table of contents that identifies to readers the theme of the picture, from window shopping to antique teddy bears, Christmas cooking to a snowy scene. Each photograph is accompanied by two rhyming couplets, identifying objects in the picture that the reader is expected to find. Some of these are simple, but others are deceptively hard. How difficult can it be to find a pan? When it is a miniature-sized pan, propped in the corner of a window and half buried by snow, it can be quite challenging indeed.

The I Spy series is a visual delight, and I enjoy hunting through the photographs as much as my children do. They can find many of the hidden objects, and I help them find the tougher ones. Although sometimes their young eyes spot things that I overlook! The more people hunting, each with her own perspective, the easier the puzzle becomes. If you find everything in one picture, don't despair - bonus puzzles are included at the end to extend the fun. As a puzzle fun, I love the concept of the series, and enjoy perusing this particular book at Christmas time. ( )