So this is how I made the grid that I used to mark all the items from the books. A simple grid gives the coordinates of the indicated object and is significantly easier than attempting to describe the location of the item in question.
Step 1. Take a large gallon-sized zip-top bag and carefully tear/cut down the sides so that the bag is still connected on the bottom and opens up like a book.
Step 2. Using a permanent marker and a ruler, make lines so that you end up with 4-2 1/4 inch columns and 5- 2 1/4 inch rows. The lines do not have to go all the way to the zip-top portions of the bag. You should end up with a 5x4 grid of 2 1/4 inch squares on both sides of the fold.
Step 3. Now that you have the grid, label the columns 1-8 with 1 in the left corner and 8 in the right. The rows are labeled A-E, with A at the top and E on the bottom. Now you have your grid!
When using it be sure to line up the top corner of the page you're using with either A1 or A8, respectively. Also the bag doesn't quite reach the bottom of the page, but anything below the bag is assumed to be in row E. Also don't worry if your grid isn't perfect. The coordinates give a specific part of the page the item is in so you know where to look, but still you have to look in the area of the coordinate.
It may look complicated but it's really not! And this grid can be used in any regular sized I SPY book so it only takes 5 minutes to make it once to use it for all of them! Imagine having all of your I SPY questions answered for good! Hope you'll give it a shot!
