The New York Times recently featured Walter Wick’s I Spy picture book series, exploring how these intricate images have captivated kids for decades.
Wick’s journey from art student to author started with a career in commercial photography. Inspiration struck in the studio one day, prompting Wick to take a photo that would change his life.
“I walked into the studio that day simply intending to clean and organize. But instead decided to make that composition with no hint of how it would impact my career years later,” Wick said.
Wick spent two days setting and nesting everyday objects on a light table. With Scholastic’s help, the photo he took of those objects led to the creation of the I Spy picture book series.
With more than 75 million copies in print, the series of picture riddles has garnered the undivided attention of generations of children.
“Kids give themselves that space to look critically and intently,” Wick said.
Read the full feature in The New York Times here: 10-Minute Challenge: 'I Spy'