The Funhouse Mirror Book

The pages are gaudy and the cartoonish illustrations are graceless, but--as this book about mirrors makes clear--looks can be deceiving. Facts and information about mirrors gain impact through simple experiments easily performed with several reflective surfaces provided here, among them a three-paneled mirror, a flexible mirror (roll it into a tube to view two anamorphic images) and a sturdy mirrored card that, placed along dotted lines, transforms some pictures. Specific topics include holograms and horizontal vs. vertical symmetry; less enlightening spreads invite readers to contemplate shattered mirrors and the bad luck they bring. Organized with each spread named like a carnival attraction (``Gallery of Giggles,'' ``Hokey Focus''), the conceit is a clever one and should keep kids entertained--it's just too bad the art is so amateurish. Ages 4-up. (Nov.)