Eye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford

Eye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford. Ivy Press, 2013 (U.K.) and 2014 (U.S.A.). 64 pages.

Reading Level: Middle grades, 8-12

Recommended for: All ages

Eye Benders will fascinate all those who enjoy optical illusions—and the science behind them. Why do our eyes seem to play tricks on us sometimes? Why does perspective work the way it does in art? How do those chalk artists create such convincing pictures that only appear to be three-dimensional? Clive Gifford takes us up close and personal with the human eye; he shows us the parts of the eye, how the eye works and how color blindness works. Most of the book, though, discusses optical illusions and offers examples of the most famous ones: Are the lines the same length? Is it a giant spiral or series of circles? How does the artist make the picture look like it’s moving? Answers are given for many special effects, and there is a short glossary of terms in the end. This is a fun read for kids who are curious and always asking questions. Maybe it will inspire them to create some optical illusions of their own… There is no mention of a Creator, but nor is there any emphasis on the evolution of the eye.

Overall Quality: 4 (out of 5)

• Worldview Rating: 4 out of 5
• Artistic Rating: 4

Cautions: none

Categories: Activity Books, Education, Science, Nonfiction