Michael A. DiSpezio

I thoroughly enjoyed these brainteasers. This book's warm tone softens the puzzles and makes them seem less intimidating than they otherwise might. The answers (for the most part) take the time to explain the reasoning behind the solution, so that children can learn the process and use these methods in the future. Children will find this collection to be a gentle companion into a world of math, logic, and creative thinking. The puzzles themselves each take only a few minutes, so this book show more can be read a bit at a time, whenever time allows. A few very mild criticisms: 1) The answers are presented in order, so it's easy to see, by accident, the next puzzle's solution before even attempting it; and 2) There is a typo in one of the problems which makes it unsolvable. These are, as I said, very mild concerns. I remember that as a kid, I used a spare piece of paper to block the answers page so that I'd only see a little bit of it at a time—problem solved!—and I think figuring out that a problem is unsolvable is still quite satisfying. I liked this book as a child, and I think I loved it even more as a grownup. Terrific fun for all ages. show less

Amaze your eyes and thrill your ears as you explore the fascinating world of light and sound.
Using easy-to-find materials you probably already have in the house, including a "boom box", toilet paper tubes, rubber bands, drinking straws, paper cups, soft drink bottles, a flashlight, and small mirrors, you can perform dozens of awesome experiments. Along the way, you'll:
Find out how to separate a ray of light.
Build a "ray maker", a kaleidoscope, and a periscope.
Make your own musical instrument show more and a water glass "sing".
Speak in a "space voice".
And much more!
Whether you want to satisfy your curiosity, be the star of the next science fair, or just have fun,these incredible investigations will change the way you look at and listen to the world around you! show less

Most of the standard illusions. Awkward to handle because of the extension to hold the (missing) 3-D glasses.