Where's Waldo? The Spooky Spotlight Search

Where's Waldo?

by Martin Handford

It’s pitch dark on the way to Odlaw’s haunted castle — but Waldo-seekers have a cool wand to light the way in a book perfect for the spooky season.

Somewhere in the darkness, Waldo is venturing across a swamp toward a looming castle, sneaking down to the dungeon and through a creepy gallery to . . . Hey! We didn’t see that twist coming! In Waldo's second adventure featuring this innovative, all-paper design, readers can slide a spotlight searcher under a series of totally dark scenes, illuminating small sections and stealthily moving the light to seek out Waldo and his friends. Everyone’s favorite vagabond is in costume as himself in this Halloween-worthy challenge for eagle-eyed fans.

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Childrens

16 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2020

About the author

Martin Handford, the man behind the mind-boggling Waldo books, began his career as a freelance illustrator specializing in drawing crowd scenes. The turning point came when he was asked to create a book showcasing his impressive talent, and the character Waldo was born—originally to provide a link between each scene. "I can't tell you how pleased I am that Waldo has taken on a life of his own," Martin Handford says. "I'd like to inspire children to open their minds to explore subjects more, to be aware of what's going on around them. I'd like them to see wonder in places that may not have occurred to them." Martin Handford lives in England.

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waldo and his friends are surrounded by hundreds of monsters, ghosts, and creepy creatures, both "real" and in costume. There are a lot of festive activities going on as the monsters prepare for Halloween. And somewhere in the chaos of sea monsters, dragons, and vampires, Waldo is hiding among all the red and white. However, each scene is covered by a dark screen, and you have to use the spotlight search tool, a handy cardboard wand, to "light up" the scenes.

This is such a cool search activity book! In every scene you have to find Waldo, his dog Woof, Wenda, the wizard Whitebeard, and the Waldo's crazy opposite, Odlaw. There are also additional lists of things to look for in every haunting scene, like pirate skeletons, mermaids, witches, and a cat on a broomstick.

I used to love these Waldo books when I was a little girl, and the addition of the spotlight search tool makes it even more special. I also appreciate that there is a sleeve inside the cover for the spotlight search tool where it can (hopefully) be safe from getting lost. This particular spotlight wand is special because if you put it out in the sun, it will glow in the dark while you are searching!

This book would be the perfect Halloween gift to keep the kids busy during the holiday with some fun!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's terrific to see Waldo back and for Halloween in this "Spooky Spotlight Search"! I can't imagine drawing the phenomenal detail that Martin Handford creates in these books. This time there is a "spotlight" searcher to use within six pocket pages, drawings also on the left, the pocket on the right. Each page also has some direction in a kind of window, with a special search - Skullduggery!, One More Thing- an extra challenge, and a Checklist. Readers only need to slide the searcher into the pockets and start looking! Pages include topics like "The Great Escape" (deep in a cave) and "A Creaky Dance Party!". One perk: you can leave the "searcher" in the light so that it glows in the dark and thus, you can search in the dark.What a terrific series and this time, a new edition for Halloween.
Thanks to Walker Books, now to Candlewick Press for this US edition.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spooky title has entered the Where’s Waldo? cannon, and just in time for Halloween. Of course, we know that there are year round lovers of the spooky genre, so this picture book will be welcome on the picture book shelf, as well the Halloween shelf. Handford’s wonderful detailed ink art takes the reader to a ghostly galleon, a shipwreck, a mysterious cave, and more, filled with spooky scenes and lists of items to find. The bonus of this title is that each opening also has a page under Mylar and a “magic spotlight searcher” which, when allowed to be exposed to sunlight, is used as a searchlight to reveal even more creepy capers. A delightfully fun title.

[Eve Costarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waldo is back in a made for Halloween special and although he gives a lot of tricks, they sure feel like treats when you solve them! This edition includes a Glow-In-The-Dark slider that reveals hidden in the dark pictures, only adding to the eye crossing fun. This book will last well through this holiday and into the ones for years to come. Every time you pick up a Waldo book, the search begins anew. Hours of fun! I love this book although it makes my eyes see crisscross. All kidding aside, this book bolsters eye strength and concentration and has just the comfort appeal of our beloved Waldo, his striped clothes and the wonderful cast of characters.

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odlaw's haunted castle full of cobwebs and hidden symbols, is the perfect setting to this Waldo Spooky Spotlight Search. There is a cool glowing wand to to help in your search and makes kids feel like it's something magical. Wait until you see the skeleton holding a pair of leg bones, the lighted houses with slime-spitting sea monsters, the mysterious hidden cave with air breathing monsters, slippery snakes along a labyrinth - will you find the way out?

This Halloween, 5-9 year olds will surely have fun with this not-too-scary spook fest.

[Jill Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those Where's Waldo experts this newest edition intensifies the level of difficulty immensely. Keeping you entertained for hours as you used the provided "spotlight" wand to search out Waldo and friends! Make it into a race or trade of who's in charge of the wand, the perfect indoor family fun this Halloween season.

*Disclaimer: a review copy was provided by the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this edition of the Waldo cannon -- some familiar scenes and characters but with a twist: you use a little "spotlight" paper wand to search through the pages. The interactive element keeps the fun going for those who love new challenges. Love every bit of this!

**Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE’S WALDO? fans - get excited! This is a seriously cool Where’s Waldo for Halloween. All the classic searching, checklists, and detailed scenes are there, but these have a Halloween theme and a Glow-in-the-Dark slider you use to reveal the full picture.

[Matt J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. My only wish is that the fun hadn’t ended so quickly. -Jess