Children's game phrase that should start the italicized clues … or a hint to eight squares in this puzzle

ISPYWITHMYLITTLEEYE

Look for a playful phrase kids use to spot things, hinting at hidden letters in the grid.

This clue references the classic children's game "I Spy," where players spot objects starting with a specific letter. The answer "ISPYWITHMYLITTLEEYE" is the full phrase often used to begin the game, hinting at the italicized clues in the puzzle. Additionally, it suggests that eight squares in the grid contain the letter "I," tying into the "eye" sound in the phrase. The wordplay connects the game's opening line to both the puzzle's structure and the clues.