If you did a double-take when you saw this title, don't worry - you're not alone! My immediate thought was of Martin Handford's immensely popular Where's Waldo series (Where's Wally? in the original British edition), which features intensely detailed illustrations that the reader must peruse, in order to find the eponymous hero. Of course, Waldo/Wally began publication in 1987, whereas Hilary Knight's delightful picture-book came out in 1964, leading me to wonder whether this earlier work was an influence on Handford. At the very least, I now have a pretty good idea why the named was changed, here in America!

The story of Wallace, a friendly orangutan who, as he learns more about the world outside his safe home at the Central Park Zoo, begins to escape from his cage more and more often, in order to go exploring, Where's Wallace? alternates between the narrative, accompanied by two-tone illustrations, and full-color two-page spreads in which the reader must search for Wallace in crowded scenes. All the illustrations - two-tone and full-color - are simply delightful, and the story is engaging. I particularly liked the way that Mr. Frumbee, Wallace's nominal keeper, facilitates his charge's frequent breakouts, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow, before bringing him back to the safety of the zoo. Highly recommended to all Hilary Knight fans, as well as to those children who like "search-and-hunt" style books! ( )

This was my all time favorite at a child. I used to hide this book in the library when I wasn't allowed to check it out so that I could check it out the next time I came. Finally, after months of doing this, my mom bought me my own copy. Even today I love to pull it out and discover the new things in the pictures. I actually don't think it was until I was older that I even realized that there was a story, I just loved the pictures! ( )

Text alternates with wordless double-spreads where the reader is meant to look for Wallace, the orangutan who has escaped from the zoo, in a department store, the natural history museum, the park, the circus, the baseball game, the beach, the amusement park, and an apartment building.

Long before Where's Waldo came Where's Wallace, about a mischevious orangutan who's always escaping from the zoo (possibly with a little connivance from his keeper). It's fun to look for him in the big spreads of the beach, a museum, the circus, and more. ( )