Can You See What I See?: Toyland Express, Review and Giveaway

“Mommy, can we do just one more page? Please?!”

Those are the words that I hear whenever my children and I bring home another book from the incredible Can You See What I See? series. I’d be lying if I said that they are the only ones who lean over the pages with excitement, eager to be the first to find the hidden items. The kids and I have been enjoying Walter Wick’s latest “Picture Puzzle to Search and Solve” that shows a train set’s journey from workshop to gift table through a lifetime of play in Can you See What I See?: Toyland Express.

I love that Wick’s series goes beyond the simple search and find concept, for there is a sequential story depicted in every book. In Toyland Express, children will delight in seeing a wooden train set originate in the workshop, on display in a toy store window, get unwrapped on a happy birthday, and get played with in a variety of ways over the years. In our family, there is a consensus for favorite page, for the “mountain pass” spread is adorable in its simplicity, with a white comforter transformed into a miniature winter wonderland, and the train driving over a suspended bridge overhead. And, as always, in addition to the listed items to find on each two-page spread, there is always the little wooden man to find, too. We call him “the little guy,” and he’s often the first thing that we search for!

I’m always in awe over the sheer number of items in each picture, and I’ve often thought that the folks who put together the scenes must have a really, really fun job. From this video with Walter Wick talking about the ideas and inspiration behind Toyland Express, I am confident that they do indeed have a blast. Oh, and I found out that “the little guy” actually has a name! I can’t wait to show my kids the video and let them find out, too, but I bet we’re still going to stick with our pet name for him. Watch and find out for yourself:

With more than 250 items to search for, as well as a lovely story of the life of a toy train, don’t you think your kids would love a copy of Can you See What I See?: Toyland Express?

We’re happy to be hosting an incredible giveaway, and one lucky winner will receive a copy of this delightfully creative and fun book, along with FIVE other titles in the Can You See What I See? series! Please leave a comment to be entered, U.S. mailing addresses only. (I’ll think you’re extra cool if you tell me that you knew “the little guy’s” name before watching the video.)

For even more Can You See What I See fun, check out info about the series and give Walter Wick a like on Facebook.

• The winner of the The Ultimate Cake Mix Cookie Book is #70 Leslie Silva.

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5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn (and her online alter ego, morninglight mama) can be found blogging at my thoughts exactly and contributing to Real Moms Guide and The DC Moms.

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