The Most Amazing Science Pop-Up Book

No garden-variety pictorial pop-ups greet the reader of this scientific treasure trove. The cover, in fact, tells the tale: ``This unique book includes a working record player, compass, microscope, camera obscura, sundial, kaleidoscope, and periscope!'' Should the book's price seem steep, a consideration of these devices-to say nothing of the wealth of information included-may turn the package into a considerable value. The subjects on the book's seven spreads are grouped under such headings as ``Over the Rainbow'' (color and light), ``Lights, Camera, Action!'' (photography) and ``Opposites Attract'' (magnetism and electromagnetism). Pages are crowded (occasionally, overcrowded) with brief, discrete paragraphs and sidebars, while abundant drawings and photographs illustrate the many subjects. Kids will be hooked from the very first spread, on which a metallic stylus attached to a fold-out ``arm'' is placed on a plastic ``record''-and out come the sounds of the first song ever recorded, ``Mary Had a Little Lamb.'' Ages 9-up. (Sept.)