Mommy Brain

(Pick Me Up was provided to me by Special Ops Media for the purpose of review.)

Pick Me Up is a great new reference book from DK Publishing for everyone aged tween through adult. (I say tweens, because there is some scientific talk about hormones and sex, so this isn’t for younger children.) It is designed more like a web site than a book. For instance, I just opened to the page about the solar system. When I read the blurb on Mars, I found this quote:

Appearing red in the sky, the planet takes the name of the Romans’ (263) god of war.

The bold word and page number is almost like a hyperlink. It indicates what page you should turn to for more information on the Romans. Every article is like this, which can lead you on lots of fun scavenger hunts as you see the way information is connected.

The book is divided into these sections: Science, Technology, and Space; Society, places, and beliefs; History; The Natural World; People who made the world; Arts, entertainment, and media; You and your body; and Planet Earth. Written in a casual, conversational style that will appeal to young people, this book is packed with information. I’ve spent a few evenings thumbing through, reading bits and pieces, and being completely fascinated.

DK has set up a Pick Me Up web site that will give you a preview of the book and a better idea of what it’s like. This book will make a great Christmas gift for the people in your life who are fascinated by information.