I Spy 123: Totally Crazy Numbers

In a striking seek-and-find book, Ancutici meticulously organizes toys, currency, puppets, sweets, and more into the shapes of numbers one through 20 as Sauerhöfer’s accompanying text invites readers to find specific objects hidden within each image. The photographed numerals consist of items organized by color or theme: “3” is made up entirely of marbles and small rubber balls, and an assortment of tiny green toys create a “4” on the facing page. Numerous name-brand objects are tucked into the spreads (Disney and Pokémon characters, Lego figurines, etc.) and occasionally mentioned in the text (“Superman completes your search!”). Though the text can be flat and/or awkward (“Two crows are still hidden here, you’ll find them, do not worry”), Ancutici’s intricately assembled images captivate. Available simultaneously: I Spy ABC. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)