Look and Find Fun @ Your Library!

One of the many responsibilities I have as the Children’s Librarian at the Columbus Public Library is the purchasing of new library materials for the young readers. In choosing new books, I use a number of resources. Book reviews, statistics on how well particular authors are received, and, of coarse, personal requests from library users are all determining factors.

Recently, I noticed that truck, dinosaur, “Dora the Explorer,” and “Thomas the Tank Engine” books are among the most popular text being read. Another category gaining in popularity is “Look and Find” texts. These are great for young children, who have not yet learned to read, because they can just sit and take in the pictures. For those students who read, these books also provide a challenge by having them search for specific objects on a page. Columbus Public Library has over 40 different “Look and Find” titles from which to choose. One of my personal favorites being “Dora the Explorer: Scavenger Hunt.”

In this adventurous tale, Dora is given a special project by her teacher, Maestra Beatriz. What makes the task so appealing to Dora’s class is that it involves a scavenger hunt. It starts in Dora’s classroom and finishes at Benny the Blue Ox’s barn.

Dora must find one object in her instructor’s classroom for every letter of the alphabet. To do this, Dora calls on the reader for help. After uncovering the 26 objects, Dora moves to the playground where she meets her pal, Boots. The two friends are led on an exciting journey. They go through the “Shape Forest” in search of unique shapes like ovals and diamonds. Dora and Boots travel to Tico’s workshop in the Nutty Forest, where they find things that go! But just as Dora and Boots are about to move on to “Benny’s Barn,” they encounter…the Swiper. This little weasel-like character is always trying to foil Dora’s adventures and causes mischief to whomever gets in his way.

To find out if Dora and her confidantes are able to overcome Swiper’s “Mucky Mud” and finish the scavenger hunt assigned by Maestra Beatriz, be sure to read “Dora the Explorer: Scavenger Hunt.”

Another wonderful “Look and Find” book is “Look and Find Disney/PIXAR Cars.” In this high-speed tale, readers join famous race car sensation Lightning McQueen on a tour of his hometown, Radiator Springs. Though this community “might be off the beaten path,” there’s a whole lot going on in this small metropolis. For example, one of the many tasks assigned to individuals is to cruise around a map of the neighborhood and pinpoint the location of several key characters like Mater, Doc Hudson, and Guido.

Children then coast over to “Flo’s V8 Café” to find some “motor-watering” refreshments like ice cold coolant and anti-freeze frosties. After fueling up on a few tasty treats, Lightning and the gang speed down to Mater’s Junk Yard to help him find various shiny new car parts hidden in a mountain of old rusty ones.
 
From there, it’s off to Lizzie’s Curios Shop where Lightning McQueen and Sally, a snazzy little Porsche with an attitude, help search for numerous antique license plates lost in a sea of outdated car paraphernalia.
Finally, the journey comes to a stop at the Radiator Springs Courthouse where passengers discover the town’s rich history by spotting the community’s founder, Stanley, in various photos. Before leaving, readers are encouraged to sift through a collection of post cards and select the one that would most remind them of their visit through this rip-roaring community.

The next time you are in search of a fun picture book for the little racer or explorer in your life, race to the library and check out the “Look and Find” books at the Columbus Public Library. I can guarantee, no matter what your children’s interests, they will discover a treasure…or two. If you have any questions regarding any of the special collections available for checkout, please contact me at 564-7116 opt. 4.