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Spot the Dog
Where's Spot?
This bigger, brighter paperback edition of Eric Hill's iconic first lift-the-flap book celebrates 30 years since first publication in hardback. The simple text and colourful pictures will engage a whole new generation of pre-readers as they lift the picture flaps in search of Spot. A number 1 bestseller since it was first published in 1980, this interactive favourite has stayed in the charts ever since.
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
About the author
Eric Hill
799 books105 followersEric Gordon Hill OBE was a popular author and illustrator of children's picture books, best known for his character Spot the Dog. His works have been widely praised for their contributions to child literacy. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 620 reviews
November 30, 2012
Before I'd read Ulysses, I must admit I was sceptical about claims that every novel written since can do little more than recapitulate it in one form or another. But now my eyes have been opened: at a glance, it is obvious that Where's Spot? is in essence no more than an abbreviated, non-sexist, non-speciesist version, retold in a manner suitable for three year olds who like lift-the-flap books.
Penelope (Spot's mother) has evicted Ulysses (Spot's father) from Ithaca. Traumatized, Telemachus (Spot) reenacts his progenitor's wanderings in symbolic form; reversing the roles, Penelope goes in search of him. After unsuccessfully looking among the Lestrygonians (the hat box) and Nausicaa's island (behind the sofa), she eventually finds him in Circe's palace, engaged in an S&M orgy with three soft toys. [Surely some mistake? - Ed.]
Penelope (Spot's mother) has evicted Ulysses (Spot's father) from Ithaca. Traumatized, Telemachus (Spot) reenacts his progenitor's wanderings in symbolic form; reversing the roles, Penelope goes in search of him. After unsuccessfully looking among the Lestrygonians (the hat box) and Nausicaa's island (behind the sofa), she eventually finds him in Circe's palace, engaged in an S&M orgy with three soft toys. [Surely some mistake? - Ed.]
March 17, 2019
Love these books
February 27, 2020
Eric Hill's "Where's Spot?" is, not to put too fine a point on it, weird.
If I was a toddler (the book's target demographic), I probably wouldn't have a problem with it. It's basically a dog named Sally looking for her pup, Spot. As it is, I don't think it's really all that terrific in the way of plot. There's very little character development and nothing in the way of conflict, really, because we never get the sense of horror or dread from Sally that we may never actually find Spot. Finding Spot is kind of a given.
What's weird is that, through the course of the book, Sally looks inside various pieces of furniture and appliances. Instead of finding Spot, though, she uncovers other different animals---a snake inside the grandfather clock, a hippo inside the piano, a crocodile under the bed.
Never once does Sally question why there are so many wild animals hiding in this house. Why are they hiding? What could be so terrifying that a hippo would try to find shelter within a piano?
There is, sadly, no answers to these questions.
I gave it five stars, though, because Spot is so darn cute.
If I was a toddler (the book's target demographic), I probably wouldn't have a problem with it. It's basically a dog named Sally looking for her pup, Spot. As it is, I don't think it's really all that terrific in the way of plot. There's very little character development and nothing in the way of conflict, really, because we never get the sense of horror or dread from Sally that we may never actually find Spot. Finding Spot is kind of a given.
What's weird is that, through the course of the book, Sally looks inside various pieces of furniture and appliances. Instead of finding Spot, though, she uncovers other different animals---a snake inside the grandfather clock, a hippo inside the piano, a crocodile under the bed.
Never once does Sally question why there are so many wild animals hiding in this house. Why are they hiding? What could be so terrifying that a hippo would try to find shelter within a piano?
There is, sadly, no answers to these questions.
I gave it five stars, though, because Spot is so darn cute.
September 28, 2021
I have such strong memories of both this and the animated series.
I was also surprised to learn that it was the first 'lift the flap up' book for kids.
With such a cool concept that allows the reader to explore all the possible places that Spot could be hiding.
Fun interactive storytelling with delightfully memorable illustrations.
I was also surprised to learn that it was the first 'lift the flap up' book for kids.
With such a cool concept that allows the reader to explore all the possible places that Spot could be hiding.
Fun interactive storytelling with delightfully memorable illustrations.
April 18, 2020
A short and simple story about a puppy that has hidden. I have no clue why I never have read this little book. Cute and exciting for kids.
This book is in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up challenge I am doing.
This book is in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up challenge I am doing.
June 28, 2017
A classic - was so happy to introduce this book to my friends 3 year old son - the smiles and the laughter made my day!
August 13, 2023
The twist at the end gets me every time
March 30, 2010
Words cannot describe the inspiration one can attain from this masterpiece. This is a must read for any human being.
February 23, 2017
I did what I had to do to finish my challenge..............
April 28, 2022
I did and did not remember reading this delightful book, which made it like reading for the first time. The lift-the-flaps truly make this search for Spot so much fun and hopefully they will survive my grandson's eager (and impatient?) pulling when we read it. But if not, there is always tape.
Who is Spot? That is what you have to find out by reading the book. It is worth it! Timeless.
Who is Spot? That is what you have to find out by reading the book. It is worth it! Timeless.
August 15, 2020
Nostalgia hit me like a brick with this book! I remember it from my own childhood.
June 23, 2017
Kinda concerning that these people have a snake, a hippo, and a lion living in their home.
December 21, 2021
He’s in the basket.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2015
There will apparently never be a finish date for this book. We ( my granddaughter and I) reach the last page, she turns the book to the front cover and signs "more". - She us thirteen months old and will look for Spot for forty five minutes at a session. Actually she could go longer, but grandma can't.
July 10, 2015
A very short well done flap opening type of book.
November 20, 2018
Really strange animals in that house!
July 21, 2016
Absolutely adorable and my kiddo loves it!
February 10, 2022
Ridiculous how much my kids loved these books!
August 23, 2018
My mum gave me this book recently for my baby boy and it brought back so many memories! I don't know why but I treasured this book for many of my younger years. I loved the illustrations and opening the pop out pages to try and find spot. It was my 'go to' book and I'd read it again and again. It seems my little boy is a fan already as he eagerly grabs the book off me to open the pages and the flaps on the pages. He adores dogs so I think this book will become a favourite for him too!
September 13, 2019
Purely adorable.
November 21, 2021
Shakespearean
March 19, 2024
My wife was sold, 100% thought Spot was under the rug
October 19, 2023
Dit is in ieder geval wel hondengedrag :P Of het zo fijn is voor kinderen dat er allerlei andere dieren verstopt zitten, zoals een krokodil onder het bed.. Daarnaast zie je aan de stijl van de illustraties van bijv de staande klok en het bed wel goed dat dit oud materiaal is. Ook is de stevigheid tegenwoordig van dit soort boeken iets beter afgestemd op de doelgroep.
September 30, 2015
This is one of the best ever lift-the-flap-books created and the first book in the series about the mischievous Spot the dog. This book introduces the reader to Spots family and Spots home, during the book the children can relate to familiar objects within the book and to objects they are familiar with. The children can pretend to be detectives and the mystery is ‘Where’s Spot?’ which can entice the children to concentrate on the book; the flaps makes the book interactive, the adult reading the book to the children can select children to lift the flap so the children are interactive during the story, and can be asking the children questions throughout the book (e.g. Do you think Spot is behind there? Where would you hide if you was Spot?).
Similar to my previous book review Dear Zoo, the simplistic language will support Key Stage 1, Early Key Stage 2 and English as an additional language (EAL) learner. This will enable the children to understand different parts and items in a house, this again will help the EAL learner be able to relate to the pictures and recognise them so they can enhance their learning of English.
I love the mystery element of the book, I would love to ask the children to put their detective hats on and help solve the mystery of where’s Spot. This can be linked to drama, because this is a simple and clear book, a pair/group of children can get a page of the book and the higher achievers can create their own page in the book to extend their knowledge and creativity and then be able to perform that page to the class simultaneously.
This is a fun and interactive book which would be great to use with Key Stage 1 learners!
Similar to my previous book review Dear Zoo, the simplistic language will support Key Stage 1, Early Key Stage 2 and English as an additional language (EAL) learner. This will enable the children to understand different parts and items in a house, this again will help the EAL learner be able to relate to the pictures and recognise them so they can enhance their learning of English.
I love the mystery element of the book, I would love to ask the children to put their detective hats on and help solve the mystery of where’s Spot. This can be linked to drama, because this is a simple and clear book, a pair/group of children can get a page of the book and the higher achievers can create their own page in the book to extend their knowledge and creativity and then be able to perform that page to the class simultaneously.
This is a fun and interactive book which would be great to use with Key Stage 1 learners!
October 12, 2008
Synopsis
: A classic tale of a mother dog searching for her own lost puppy, finding eight other animals hiding around the house before finding her own. Fun, interactive flaps conceal the animals.
Review : What can I say? I love flap, flip, "reveal the hidden surprise" books and this one is no exception. Although I would be hesitant to recommend this book to any tiny child without some adult supervision as the flaps aren't sturdy enough to take aggressive flipping. The story leads the readers on a search for Spot where words for furniture such door,clock, piano and animals such as bear, snake, hippo are introduced. Funny that the house is filled with bears, lions and snakes---children will have fun mimicking the sounds each animal makes and can even add special effect noises for opening the door, piano, trunk. A book filled with endless educational possibilities! Also might be a good book to teach the lesson "no hiding from parents".
Critical Reviews : Barnes's & Nobel said, "Little readers will have a bow-wow-wonderful time looking for the popular pooch." Children's Literature noted, "Children love books that pop-up, flip-flop, or have something special about them."
Review : What can I say? I love flap, flip, "reveal the hidden surprise" books and this one is no exception. Although I would be hesitant to recommend this book to any tiny child without some adult supervision as the flaps aren't sturdy enough to take aggressive flipping. The story leads the readers on a search for Spot where words for furniture such door,clock, piano and animals such as bear, snake, hippo are introduced. Funny that the house is filled with bears, lions and snakes---children will have fun mimicking the sounds each animal makes and can even add special effect noises for opening the door, piano, trunk. A book filled with endless educational possibilities! Also might be a good book to teach the lesson "no hiding from parents".
Critical Reviews : Barnes's & Nobel said, "Little readers will have a bow-wow-wonderful time looking for the popular pooch." Children's Literature noted, "Children love books that pop-up, flip-flop, or have something special about them."
March 20, 2014
Book review 6 - Where’s Spot? - Eric Hill
This is another great ‘lift-the-flap’ book and one, which I recommend all adults to read to their children or buy the book for their children to read. The book is about a mother dog searching for her lost puppy (Spot) and as she roams around the house she finds eight other animals before she finds Spot. This creates opportunity for children to mimic animal sounds. This book is simple to read and the text is large and clear. Each page contains a picture of some sort and throughout the book there is a sense of adventure. Children will love to follow the story in the search for ‘Spot’ as well as lifting up the flaps along the way. It truly is a classic book and one, which has inspired other authors to create similar books – it has also inspired a TV series, which has gained good reviews from adults and children alike. Furthermore, the book has a repetitive nature and repeats words and phrases, which helps children in learning new vocabulary.
This is another great ‘lift-the-flap’ book and one, which I recommend all adults to read to their children or buy the book for their children to read. The book is about a mother dog searching for her lost puppy (Spot) and as she roams around the house she finds eight other animals before she finds Spot. This creates opportunity for children to mimic animal sounds. This book is simple to read and the text is large and clear. Each page contains a picture of some sort and throughout the book there is a sense of adventure. Children will love to follow the story in the search for ‘Spot’ as well as lifting up the flaps along the way. It truly is a classic book and one, which has inspired other authors to create similar books – it has also inspired a TV series, which has gained good reviews from adults and children alike. Furthermore, the book has a repetitive nature and repeats words and phrases, which helps children in learning new vocabulary.
May 3, 2012
Eric Hill’s “Where’s Spot?” is a classic story of a mother dog searching for her lost puppy. Spot’s mum searches for Spot all across finding various other animals before finding spot in a basket.
I personally had used this book as stimulus within the EYFS curriculum as it allows children to begin and develop their understanding of propositional language, for example is he behind the door? Is he under the table and so on. Furthermore, many children enjoy this book very much as it is an interactive book allowing children t search for Spot using the flaps.
Additionally, the language is very simple and repetitive which in turn can help develop the language and communication levels for EAL learners.
I personally had used this book as stimulus within the EYFS curriculum as it allows children to begin and develop their understanding of propositional language, for example is he behind the door? Is he under the table and so on. Furthermore, many children enjoy this book very much as it is an interactive book allowing children t search for Spot using the flaps.
Additionally, the language is very simple and repetitive which in turn can help develop the language and communication levels for EAL learners.
May 13, 2012
'Where's Spot'? central character Spot is the well-known, friendly puppy with instantly recognisable yellow fur with brown spots.
In this particular book in the series of books featuring Spot, his mother Sally searchs the house trying to find him. The story follows Sally looking all over the house in various places in search of Spot. In each different scene, a question appears asking whether Spot will appear e.g. 'behind the door? No!'.
The object/s that could potentially reveal Spot appear as a flap that must be lifted in order to reveal the answer, adding an extra element of interaction with the story for the reader.
The story is very simple and engaging and is likely suitable for Reception/ KS 1 children developing their literacy skills.
In this particular book in the series of books featuring Spot, his mother Sally searchs the house trying to find him. The story follows Sally looking all over the house in various places in search of Spot. In each different scene, a question appears asking whether Spot will appear e.g. 'behind the door? No!'.
The object/s that could potentially reveal Spot appear as a flap that must be lifted in order to reveal the answer, adding an extra element of interaction with the story for the reader.
The story is very simple and engaging and is likely suitable for Reception/ KS 1 children developing their literacy skills.
June 6, 2012
A really charming tale for children about.
Dinner is ready and Spot's mother is looking for him around the house. There are mystery flaps throughout the book which you flip and they tell you that Spot is not there with a guess.
Spot's searches for him through the house but where will she find spot.
A book that children will love as they will be looking for flaps all over the pages and at the same time they will be learning about things in the house.
The book has great colourful pages and the flaps make it even more fun.
A highly recommended book for children in EYFS.
Dinner is ready and Spot's mother is looking for him around the house. There are mystery flaps throughout the book which you flip and they tell you that Spot is not there with a guess.
Spot's searches for him through the house but where will she find spot.
A book that children will love as they will be looking for flaps all over the pages and at the same time they will be learning about things in the house.
The book has great colourful pages and the flaps make it even more fun.
A highly recommended book for children in EYFS.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 620 reviews