Where’s Spot?

Where’s Spot? written & illustrated by Eric Hill (Puffin) HB RRP $16.99 ISBN 978024144685

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Said to be ‘the world’s favourite (and original) lift-the-flap book’, Where’s Spot is celebrating its 40^th birthday with a special edition. Highlighting the ruby anniversary, this editing of the classic hide-and-seek tale is now available with a ruby foil cover and in a new large format.

Ideal for toddlers, the playful text starts with naughty Spot missing at dinner time. From then on, each page asks a question, for instance ‘Is he behind the door?’ Spot has his nose behind the door and when the door flap is opened, there is a huge brown bear with a honeypot saying ‘no!’ Spot then investigates various other places -- a grandfather clock, a (pink) piano, an under-the-stairs door, a wardrobe and more. Each time there’s a hidden animal saying ‘no’.

Finally, a turtle under a rug gives a clue (‘Try the basket’) and that’s when mother dog Sally finds naughty Spot.

This clever book enables reader and child to re-visit the book many times, interacting with the text and illustrations. The illustrations are ideal for the small reader with simple pictures and lots of white space with few words.

Since publication, the Spot books (yes, there are more!) have been translated into over 60 languages with over 65 million books sold worldwide. 

This book is highly recommended for readers aged from one and older.