Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Summer is the season of hot weather, cool snacks and spending time with the kids. You're always searching for activities to entertain the whole family. Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to pass the time. But have you tried picture puzzle books?

Picture puzzle books can be educational but won't remind kids of school. They promote active off-screen engagement: you can take one on the go and don't even need to charge it. Like scavenger hunts in book format, they can help children develop their observation skills and learn about the world around them.

Is your child starting kindergarten this year? We've put together a booklet filled with fun learning activities like connect the dots, matching games and yes, a scavenger hunt! The end of summer and starting school can be challenging in the best of times. We're here to support your family as you help your child make the transition into the classroom with confidence. From August 23 to September 4, you can pick up a Kindergarten Let's Go! Activity Bag at your local branch, while supplies last. It contains an activity booklet, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and stickers to encourage discovery and play. 

Explore with your child to help ensure their success in kindergarten and beyond! Kids of all ages love poring over picture puzzle books. Every page is jam-packed with things to spot and riddles to solve. Here are five of our favourite series:

I Spy by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

The tried and true series combines search-and-find riddles with stellar photographs. Can you spot all of the hidden objects? 

Where's Waldo? by Martin Handford 

A list of picture puzzle books wouldn't be complete without mentioning the iconic and elusive Waldo. Waldo in his signature red and white striped shirt, bobble hat and glasses is the time-travelling main character of this series. Can you find Waldo hidden in the seas of people doing different things? 

Look and Find by Kirsteen Robson 

This series contains colourful illustrations with lots of things to find in fun speech bubbles. Different topics include kid favourites such as dinosaurs, bugs, farm and jungle. 

Spot 7 by various authors

Look closely: on each spread there are two photographs. Are they the same? At first glance, it might appear so but hidden are seven differences and the trick is to spot all seven. Can you? 

Look, Look Again by Matt Bruning 

Another spot-the-difference series with a twist. Search through the two-page spreads but be careful: as you progress through the book, the difficulty level increases.

Browse more picture puzzle books in our catalogue. Does your child have a favourite series? Challenge each other to see who can spy more objects with their little eye or who can find Waldo first!