The Hidden Picture Book of Days Gone By

The Hidden Picture Book of Days Gone By does exactly what it promises: detailed scenes from everyday life in bygone eras, with hidden objects tucked into the illustrations for young children to hunt down. It follows in the well-worn tradition of Highlights Hidden Pictures puzzles, and for that purpose it works well. The nostalgic historical settings add a gentle layer of cultural texture without overwhelming the activity. Elizabeth Allyn's illustrations give young eyes plenty to explore. The honest caveat is that activity books like this one have a natural shelf life — once the hidden items are found, there's not much reason to return. There's also very little critical record available to judge how well it holds up against similar titles. For the right young puzzle-lover, though, it's a pleasant and purposeful pick.