Where's Willie?
Where is Wally? —Where's Wally? by its original title in English- is a mythical series of didactic books written and drawn by the British artist Martin Handford. The publication of the first volume of this work happened in a curious way: in 1986, David Bennet, the publisher of the London bookstore Walker Books, contacted Handford to ask him to create a material with illustrations of crowds —activity for which the cartoonist was well known.
Thus, the idea of Where's Wally? In the end, it was conceived as an illustrated book to play. On September 12, 1987, the first volume went on sale, acquiring great popularity among children, educators, and parents. New issues and Wally stories continue to be published to this day. As a curious fact, the name of the protagonist was changed according to the country that made the translation.
Synopsis of Where is Wally?
Beyond the PlayStation
Access to technology is a huge advantage, a way to find immediate information, to learn, to discover new places and cultures... However, one of its weaknesses is that, many times, away from old forms of entertainment and learning that used to be as didactic as they were fun.
Luckily, one of them has been maintained over time, and in what way! Where is Wally? It's not just a children's book., but a true work of art and ingenuity.
How to play Where's Wally?
Where is Wally? It consists of a series of drawings that put readers/players in trouble. the dynamic is to find the protagonist —a boy who is dressed in a peculiar horizontally striped sweater, a matching cap, blue jeans and round glasses— among a gigantic mass of other characters. The level of detail in the illustrations is almost insane, making the game experience both frustrating and a lot of fun.
Most of the children and adults who have played Where is Wally? they say that their favorite part is the wonderful feeling of satisfaction that comes when they find the protagonist. Many of the most assiduous gamers used to be "bookworms". Perhaps this is the reason why the book is related to the development of intelligence, creativity, deep observation, analysis and general cognitive ability.
The origin of Wally's appearance
There is an English expression that was used in the 80s to refer to people who are a bit stupid, clueless or devoid of "lights". In England and other parts of Britain these individuals were known as "train spotters." That is precisely what Wally represents, a young man lost in the crowd. For that reason, his appearance is that of a gangly boy, who is dressed in a way that borders on the eccentric.
Su striped jumper and matching pompom hatbesides his pants round jeans and glasses, they are often accompanied by other gadgets, such as a camera that hangs from their neck, books, camping items, or a cane that they sometimes lose. This last object is something that the “reader” also sees in the search task.
According to the author, He gave his protagonist that giddy look because he imagined that someone who loses everything time cannot be a very clever person.
all the faces of wally
Actually, Wally always looks the same way. Nevertheless, its name has changed over the years, always depending on which country makes the edition. For example, in the United States and Canada, the title of the book was adapted to Where's Waldo? In Germany, the protagonist is called Walter; in France, Charlie; in Norway, Willy; in Italy, Ubaldo; in Finland, Vallu; in Denmark, Holger, and in Lithuania, Valdas.
Main people of Where's Wally?
- Wally: the lost protagonist who must be found. He identifies her red and white striped sweater.
- odlaw: This is Wally's rival. It could be said that he is like an "evil" Wally, the counterpart of him. In fact, his clothes have a similar style, although the colors that characterize this character are black and yellow.
- Wendy: It is about the sister of the main character. Her clothing closely resembles that of Wally, whom she often chases after on his adventures.
- Woof: He is Wally's inseparable dog friend. His fur is white, and, like his master, he wears glasses and a red and white striped hat. His name refers to the barking of a dog in English, and he does not always show more than his tail.
- White beard: he is a magician who always helps Wally. He looks like an old man. He wears a cone-shaped hat, a red robe, and a white, blue, and red staff.
About the author, Martin Handford
Martin Handford
Martin Handford was born in 1956, in Hampstead, England. He is a British children's book author and cartoonist. He is best known for being the creator of the series reviewed here, which made him world famous. To date, the artist has sold around 73 million copies. Likewise, its titles are found in more than fifty countries, and have been translated into approximately 26 languages.
Main books in the series Where's Wally?
- Where's Wally? — Where is Wally? (1987);
- Where's Wally Now? — Where is Wally now? (1988);
- Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey — Where is Wally? The fantastic trip (1989);
- Where's Wally in Hollywood? — Where is Wally? In Hollywood (1993);
- Where's Wally? The Wonder Book — Where is Wally? the magic book (1997);
- Where's Wally? The Great Picture Hunt — Where is Wally? On the hunt for the hidden painting! (2006);
- Where's Wally? The Incredible Paper Chase — Where is Wally? In search of the lost note (2009)
Other books
- Where's Wally? The Ultimate Fun Book — Where is Wally? The cool game book! (1990);
- Where's Wally? The Magnificent Poster Book — Where is Wally? the magnificent book poster (1991);
- Where's Wally? The Dazzling Deep-sea Divers Sticker Book (1994);
- Where's Wally? The Fabulous Flying Carpets Sticker Book (1994);
- Where's Wally? Fun Fact Book: Plundering Pirates (2000);
- Where's Wally? Fun Fact Book: Fighting Knights (2000);
- Where's Wally? (2008);
- Where's Wally? The Spectacular Poster Book (2010);
- Where's Wally? The Search for the Lost Things — Where is Wally? in search of lost things (2012);
- Where's Wally? 25th Anniversary Annual (2012)