A Seek-and-Find for Little Searchers

Where Did They Go?
Written & Illustrated by Emily Bornoff
Age Level: 2-4 Years
Published August 9, 2016

“It’s around here somewhere” is practically my catchphrase.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that I love seek-and-find books. They’re fun, and they have proven benefits like strengthening concentration skills and lengthening attention spans. The seek-and-find book featured this week is particularly special because the animals hidden on the pages are endangered species that are increasingly difficult to spot in real life. As the closing page explains, habitat loss, overhunting, and climate change are the leading threats to the featured animals’ survival.

“... these creatures are hiding –
for how long we don’t know.
What will become of them?
Where will they go?”

The illustrations are lush and beautiful, celebrating the colors and textures of each creature’s environment. Author-illustrator Emily Bornoff creates dizzying wallpaper-like patterns to skillfully conceal the animals within each design. In addition to the visual appeal, this book is a great read aloud with its smooth rhymes and playful vocabulary. In a thoughtful closing spread that educates readers of all ages, the featured animals are shown alongside a brief explanation of where each one lives and what is threatening its survival.