SENSEATIONAL ILLUSIONS

Pop-ups and bright graphics demonstrate that humans have more than five senses to fool.

This busy book expands the traditional set of senses to no fewer than 18 at the outset. Though it doesn’t get to all of them, along with color-based effects and other optical illusions, it offers ways of tricking nose and tongue, challenges to pattern recognition, demonstrations of proprioception, and tests of reflex speed. The small but varied bundle of interactive extras includes a sliding panel of colored acetate, a pop-up visual puzzle, a section of scratch-and-sniff dots, and a slotted maze at the end through which to roll ball bearings (included). Subtle embossing defines several animals hidden under flaps and two other mazes that readers are directed to trace with eyes closed, but it’s likely too low for all but braille-trained fingertips. Still, in general the neatly presented visuals and accompanying instructions are easy to follow, produce reliable results, and come with descriptions of the expected effect, its causes, and the body part involved.

Despite some features with limited shelf life, a useful start to exploring the body’s full sensorium.