Numbers in Art (I Spy S)

I Spy Numbers in Art is much like Micklethwait's I Spy Animals in Art, but even less challenging for youngsters. While the paintings are tasteful and the artwork is varied, fewer than half make good selections for I Spy-ing. The first page is easy enough for 3-yr-olds, but in the second picture (featuring a large face with 2 dark eyes), these eyes would be an easy find for any 2-yr-old. Looking over Micklethwait's pick of paintings, it's pretty evident that she misses the point of I Spy. For instance, in a (Rubens) painting of 11 very visible people, she asks the reader to find 9 children, and in an up-front group of 13 girls, she asks the reader to find 13 singers (yes, 13!) even though 3 aren't singing. In this case, it would have made more sense to use this image for number 10 and have readers find 10 of the 13 who are in the act of singing. While the paintings span from the 15th until the mid-20th ce. and are colorful and eye-catching, most should have been put to better use or replaced by artwork that yields more enjoyable and challenging searches. (Ages: 2-5) (2.5 stars)

This review applies to the WHOLE "I Spy" series...Our three year old loves them! (Yes, 3 year old, although the series is suitable for older children too). And despite her tender age - thanks to these books, she knows the difference between Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso as well as her letters, numbers and colours - which is really impressive. I would rather she reads this kind of material than the usual Peppa Pig or dull TV fare children of her age are expected to be reading (or indeed watching). Don't hesitate, buy it! (Nothing in it for me by the way, but the kids you are buying for might gain a great deal).

i love these books and so does my son and its a fun way of introducing my son to culture. really great. thanks

we love being able to use original art to count with