I Spy (book series)

Infobox Book
name = I Spy


image_caption =
author = Jean Marzollo
country = United States
language = English
genre = Children's books
publisher = Scholastic Books (Cartwheel Books)
release_date = 1992-2003
media_type =

"I Spy" is a children's book series with texts written by Jean Marzollo based on photographs by Walter Wick published by Scholastic Press.

The typical "I Spy" book contains pictures of various items, either in massive clutter, or set up to portray a scene, such as a haunted house. Below each picture is a riddle that asks the reader to search for specific items or words spelled out within the photo.

The photographs in the books are works of art in themselves, and are often noted for their highly expressive quality. Many of the shots, besides being visually interesting, are intriguing and imaginative, with eerie or sentimental themes. School teachers often use the photos to inspire pupils to write short fiction set in the created scenes.

Walter Wick is also author of his own series, similar to "I Spy", called "Can You See What I See?". These books feature photographs and poems that require readers to find objects in the picture. The puzzles are slightly easier than those of the "I Spy" books.

"I Spy: Fun House" is being developed into a Nintendo DS game. The player is trapped in the actual fun-house and must find nine items to escape. [ [http://ds.ign.com/articles/794/794633p1.html IGN.com's I Spy: Fun House game description.] ]

Book list

The following is a list of the "I Spy" books:

*"I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles" (1992)
*"I Spy: Christmas" (1992)
*"I Spy: Fun House" (1993)
*"I Spy: Mystery" (1993)
*"I Spy: Fantasy" (1994)
*"I Spy: School Days" (1995)
*"I Spy: Spooky Night" (1997)
*"I Spy: Treasure Hunt" (1997)

A subsequent series claims to be more challenging:

*"I Spy: Super Challenger!" (1997)
*"I Spy: Gold Challenger!" (1998)
*"I Spy: Extreme Challenger!" (2000)
*"I Spy: Year-Round Challenger!" (2001)
*"I Spy: Ultimate Challenger!" (2003)

External links

* [http://www.jeanmarzollo.com/ispy.html "I Spy" page on Jean Marzollo's website]
* [http://www.walterwick.com/ispy_main.htm "I Spy" page on Walter Wick's website]

References