Optical illusions guide wins Royal Society Young People's Book Prize

Eye Benders, a book packed full of amazing optical illusions, has been voted winner of the 2014 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize by schoolchildren and youth groups from across the UK.

The book explains the science behind these mind-boggling pictures and how they can be used to trick your brain in many different ways.

Here’s what some of the judges had to say:

Oisin, aged 11, said: “This book is awesomeness condensed onto a page. I’ve always been interested in illusions and all kinds of magic tricks, but what makes this book really great is that it explains the science, I found that really interesting.”

Kate, aged 11, said: “The most exciting science book I've ever read. It is amazing.”

Ranjot, aged 10, said: “This is just a brilliant book. We all wanted to try out the different eye bending experiments. The best book to look at and get involved with.”

Amy, aged 12, said: “It looked interesting and it was interesting. I also liked the way that it got the reader involved and now I want the book for myself - I could look at it all day.”

Erin said: "Couldn't put this down, made my dad try them after me!"

Naimah, aged 13, said: "It was incredibly fun to look at the illusions and great to find out how they work and why our brains think like that."

The book was judged was chosen from a shortlist of six by over 1000 young people from 120 schools and youth groups across the UK.

Professor James Hough FRS, chair of the judges, said:
'Eye Benders is an enthralling book which captivates children (and adults) from primary school age upwards. Everyone reacts to the illusions in a different way and this plays a strong part in why the book is so popular!”

The prize was awarded at a ceremony at the Centre for Life in Newcastle this afternoon. Before the prize was awarded local schools had the opportunity to take part in science workshops themed around each of the books.