The story of a journey and holiday including train trip, hotel stay and visit to the circus are illustrated using collages constructed of various everyday items. From coffeepots to bottletops, batteries to chopsticks, author/illustrator Joan Steiner has created scenes with a wonderful 3D effect and a myriad of items for readers to search for.
With no specific list of items to find through the story, readers are encouraged to explore the pictures themselves, however a complete list of items used for each image can be found at the end of the book for those who want to make sure that they didn't miss anything. There is also an added challenge offered in the final pages, with clues given to two items that can be found in each illustration.
Look-Alikes: The more you look, the more you see and other books in Steiner's Look-Alikes series are fun books to read with children as you spot items together. This is the type of book you can come back to again and again and is especially good for those times when you need to occupy a child who needs something a little more interactive than sitting still to listen to a story.
The book can easily be used for an I Spy style game either using letters/sounds for older children or categories for younger children - I spy something to eat (pretzels, jelly beans), a circle (compass, coin), etc.
Steiner's books are favourites in our home, borrowed so often from the library that we have now purchased own own copies. Definitely worth a look for anyone with children who enjoy picture puzzle books.
Title: Look-Alikes: The More You Look, The More You see
Author/Illustrator: Joan Steiner
Photography: Thomas Lindley
Publisher: Little Brow, $27.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1998 (US reprint 2003)
Format: Picture book
ISBN: 0316713481
For ages: 3+ years
Type: Picture book