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Teaching Children to Observe

This book list has its genesis in the August 12, 2007 Pigeon Post "You See, But You Do Not Observe"

The attempt is to create a list of books that help children learn to observe carefully, both illustrations as well as narrative flow. We are trying to steer clear of books that are teaching facts, or focusing on how to interpret information: those are different lists. Sometimes it is hard to separate the steps but here we are trying to get at the essence of observing data and spotting some sort of pattern or trend. It is a skill that is undervalued and yet does come naturally to children whose innate ability to absorb massive amounts of new informaiton far out-strips that of adults.

Click below to see the updated book list Teaching Children to Observe.

What books have you used to help your children observe their world more closely?


Picture Books

Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson
Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Janet Ahlberg
I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick
I Spy Mystery by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick
I Spy Treasure Hunt by Jean Marzollo and illustrated by Walter Wick
Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Martin Briggs and illustrated by Mary Azarian
Wait Till the Moon is Full by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Garth Williams
Where's Waldo by Martin Handford
Where's Waldo in Hollywood by Martin Handford
Where's Waldo; The Great Picture Hunt by Martin Handford
Where's Waldo; The Wonder Book by Martin Handford


Independent Reader

The Best of The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene


Young Adult

Empires of Light by Jill Jonnes
Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Escher on Escher by M.C. Escher and J.W. Vermeulen
The Magic Mirror of Escher by Bruno Ernst and illustrated by M.C. Escher
M.C. Escher Coloring Book by M.C. Escher

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Kimberli Pollardsmith" show_email="0"$>:

One of my favorites: "Anno's Journey" by Mitsumasa Anno. Wonderful details of Anno's travels from coast to coast in a lovely style. Hidden throughout are little vignettes of famous masterpieces and sweet depictions of daily life through the ages. My son and I love to play "find Anno" searching through the detailed scenes.

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