Chuck Whelon's Wizard Pickles reminds me of why "Puzzle, Maze, and Seek & Find" books (is that a specific genre?) - like Where's Waldo are never on the shelf. The illustrations are so interesting and each centimeter of each page, demands ample time and reflection. And the pickle gnomes don't hurt the hype around this book either! Pickles and Gnomes happen to be on my list of 10 favorite things. So I'm impressed with this mash up.
While searching for an answer to my genre question, I learned that Where's Waldo is on some Banned Book Lists. Who knew? Here is the link http://bannedbooks.world.edu
Funny, the two years I was a elementary school librarian the Where's Waldo Collection had a waiting list the entire time.
This brain bending puzzle adventure offers readers and explorers opportunities for a shared experience with others. I love text that is meant to be enjoyed by a crowd! No matter what schema a reader brings to this book, each page will offer them an interaction. This style book respects the importance of engagement, such a vital part of comprehension and motivation. Critical thinking and problem solving challenges, is yet another reason to come back again and again.
The illustrations are wicked cool...full of interesting details, bright colors, and double spread full bleed action! I so appreciate the high interest narrative that Chuck has seamlessly woven in. All the brain games and challenges feel like an extra bonus, as there are endless options for searching and conversing about the art and content.
Please go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/
Be one of the first teachers or parents to own and share a copy of this with the children in your lives. Once you do, your cool factor will rise up, and you will no longer have to encourage reading for fun!
