I Spy


Children - Picture Book
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 11/23/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

I Spy by Hazem Nassar is a children's picture book in which a little girl, Amira, has her play interrupted by the horrors of war. Amira is on a swing among fruit trees, in what is described as her safe place, beyond the sounds of battle and explosions. Amira loves to play the familiar game of I Spy, and she does this on her own as her swing sways gently. She spies different shades of green, she sees purples and oranges, and she looks up to a clear sky to admire the blues and the white. However, when she spies something that she does not recognize, her world turns black. In slow and confusing steps back to consciousness, her observations of color, movement, and sounds punctuate a reality that no child should endure.

I Spy by Hazem Nassar is the first children's picture book I have read that directly addresses small children living in a contemporary war zone. It's amazing to me how Nassar created a visual story that depicts what Amira sees and feels in a way that is entirely age-appropriate for younger readers and is also uniquely easy to understand. Nassar takes a topic that, as a parent, I would have a lot of difficulty discussing, and delivers it in a format that a child can totally absorb. The illustrations are in a full color cartoon style, breathing life into Amira's world where words are only minimally necessary. The story does ultimately end happily for Amira. Sadly, that is not always the case, but Nassar has gifted us with a way to start the conversation. Very highly recommended.

Diana Lopez

Discussing war with children is complicated if they are exposed to information that could cause them stress or confusion. One way to approach the subject is by using Hazem Nassar's I Spy, a story about a little girl called Amira. She is a cheerful girl who is on her swing, playing her favorite game: I Spy. She observes the colors of nature and the fruit trees around her. Suddenly, something comes hurtling down from the sky, and everything happens quickly. The next thing she knows, she is being treated by doctors. But she remains optimistic because she sees her family and others receiving help. Amira notices the changes around her after the catastrophe that affected her home, but she remains hopeful.

Hazem Nassar talks about conflicts, emotions, and the importance of solidarity. His story reminds us of the reality of war and its consequences, but in a respectful way. From Amira's perspective, we get a general picture of an air strike, but no details that might be uncomfortable. Instead, the focus is on people who work together and seek to move forward after difficulties. I Spy invites us to reflect on human values and the search for peace. Reading stories like these reminds us to be grateful and to appreciate the beautiful things in life. I also liked that the narrative uses simple language with short, easy-to-read sentences. Whenever a color is mentioned, it is written in the same shade, creating a more visually interesting aspect. The illustrations depict characters who are expressive, empathetic, resilient, and maintain a positive attitude.

Pikasho Deka

I Spy by Hazem Nassar is a children's picture book that follows a young girl named Amira. She sits on a swing hanging from a tree, playing her favorite game. She is far away from the sounds of warplanes and explosions, only seeing all the various shades of lush green trees all around her. Later, she chooses to see purple fruits hanging on the trees. One by one, Amira looks at the different colors of fruits and leaves surrounding her. But now, something is amiss as she struggles to open her eyes. Miraculously, she wakes up at the hospital surrounded by her loving parents. She sees the heroes who saved her life and many others affected by war. Eventually, Amira returns home.

I Spy is a heartfelt story that highlights the resilience of a child searching for hope amidst the chaos of war. Author Hazem Nassar masterfully immerses the reader in the perspective of a young girl striving to discover moments of beauty and goodness in a world shattered by conflict. Although it's a children's picture book, the narrative sheds light on larger issues that still plague the world today. With the ongoing conflicts around the globe, it's necessary to inform kids about the horrors of war without making them feel hopeless and having their dreams shattered. Nassar succeeds in that goal with this book. Additionally, the illustrations effectively complement the narrative, bringing Amira and the setting to life. I found this book very relevant, and I highly recommend that parents introduce it to their kids.