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Can You See What I See?: Once Upon a Time: Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve



Last updated Thursday, May 18, 2017

Author: Walter Wick
Date of Publication: 2006
ISBN: 0439617774
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2017

Synopsis: "Can You See What I See? Once Upon a Time" is a rhyming, search-and-find picture book! Twelve fascinating compositions depict favorite fairy tales, folk tales, and classic stories where readers can use the picture clues to search for dozens of intriguing hidden objects in a far, faraway land filled with toys!

Note to readers:
•  This book is not a traditional story. It's a picture puzzle search. It's crucial that everyone can see the photographs or take turns locating the objects. Some of the hidden objects are not easy to find, so you may want to pick out the ones you want to look at before reading and give the kids some hints.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite fairy tale? Brainstorm a list of classic fairy tales to see which ones the kids are familiar with & see if their favorites are in the book.
•  What are things you always see in a fairy tale? (castles, dragons, princess/prince, frogs, fairies, etc...)

Vocabulary

•  hatchet - a small ax with a short handle for use in one hand.
•  thimble - a metal or plastic cap with a closed end, worn to protect the finger and push the needle in sewing.
•  beckons - make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow.
•  spinning wheel - an apparatus or machine for spinning yarn or thread, with a spindle driven by a wheel attached to a crank or treadle.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Can you think of other kinds of puzzles? Do you like puzzles?
•  Most fairy tales begin with "Once upon a time..." How do they usually end? ("...and they lived happily ever after")
•  As you look at one of the puzzles,create a fairy tale using the objects in the page. Begin with Once upon a time and have the kids point to an object and you incorporate it into the story.

Craft ideas:
•  Draw your favorite fairy tale character or scene. Add some "hidden" objects to your picture for others to find.
•  Make a mother's day card.
•  Make a pixie. Cut out fairy/butterfly wings from construction paper and color them. Separately, cut out the shape of a body and attach the wings.
•  Check our craft ideas for May on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2017-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!