SHADOWBOX HUNT

Seeley’s illustrated children’s book offers seek-and-find scenes, plus brainteasers.

Two cuddly bears present 12 shadowbox display cases filled with all manner of images organized around various themes, like colors, numbers, shapes, letters, and several kinds of animals. Accompanying each shadowbox is a verse about the subject; e.g., “every mammal has lungs to breathe air,” with examples of what to look for. The margins list all the items to be found, sometimes including helpful hints, like the colors of a coral snake. The margins also contain brainteasers, such as asking readers to name the four basic food groups, and answers are listed in a key. Kids can use the provided shadowbox frames, which list the various objects, and keep track of the ones they’ve found. Seeley, who has written and/or illustrated many children’s books, offers cheerfully whimsical pictures; many inanimate objects (balloons, lollipops, sunflowers) sport smiling faces. The book’s animals are especially appealing, rendered with realism and affection. Though the pages abound with detail, each item pops thanks to Seeley’s skillful coloring and shading. Beyond that, kids can soak up a fair amount of knowledge about many subjects.

An absorbing, richly detailed, and charming activity book.