Amazing optical illusions

Gr 3-5-A great introduction to the world and art of optical illusion. After a brief lead-in to the topic, 29 images are presented, all set against white backgrounds. At the top of each page, a challenge or question is set forth. After examining each crisp illusion, readers can turn to the clear explanation or suggestion offered at the bottom of the page. Most of the pictures are classics, e.g., the elephant with the lost leg, and therefore they may be familiar to children who have seen other books on the subject. Still, this title is sure to find enthusiasts in every library.-Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

EYE TRICKED YOU! Most of us don't think too much about our amazing sense of sight. It seems to work automatically, but it doesn't. How do we sort out what we see? Most of that job is done by our brain and not our eyes! When you see something, light enters your eyes. The light is focused on sensitive "screens" at the back of each eyeball. The information focused there is sent to your brain. Then it's your brain's job to make sense out of the information it gets. This is where optical illusions come in. "Optical" has to do with your sight. An "illusion" is a kind of trick. When you look at an optical illusion, some part of the process just doesn't match up. This may happen because of how the eye works. It may also happen because of how the brain works. So you may see things that really aren't there or that just don't make sense! Much of the fun of this book involves "playing" with your sense of sight so you are fooled. It has nothing to do with how smart you are or how old you are.You will be tricked. To get the most out of this book, read the question at the top of the page. Then look at the picture. Do your best to "figure it out" before looking at the descriptions at the bottom of the page. Now go have some fun! Excerpted from Amazing Optical Illusions All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.