Book review: 'Brain Games' is a phenomenal book of puzzles and learning for kids

Have you ever wondered where the term, "well-rounded" came from? I have. I mean, I don't think anyone aspires to be round. But well-rounded? What does that even mean? National Geographic Kids "Brain Games" explains that back in the Victorian Era, a practice called phrenology was very popular. Phrenologists would measure and examine peoples' heads and then explain what their bumps, crevasses, and measurements meant. Well-rounded skulls supposedly only belonged to those who were strong and confident.

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In "Brain Games," the study of brains and neurons starts off a book full, I mean chuck-full, of tons of puzzles and games for minds. Geared toward kids, this book can also be a fun one for adults who enjoy mind-benders.

This book covers the senses, words, spatial IQ, problem-solving, memory, and mysteries (like dreams and emotions) that still have scientists puzzling about the brain. Along with teaching about how the these concepts are used by our brain, each chapter has A TON of puzzles and games in it. And I seriously mean a ton. I didn't even mention half of them because I didn't want to make any reader's eyes cross from reading the extensive list.

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Let's talk about all the puzzles, shall we? Jigsaw puzzles, circuit board puzzles, number puzzles, reflection puzzles, codes, phrases, riddles, pictures, designs, colors, and sooooo many puzzles I never knew even existed are all contained within these 160 pages.

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I know I talk a lot about how my kids react to books, but that's because so many of the books I review are geared toward kids. In my mind, if my kids enjoy the books, then other kids will as well. And man, my middle-grader loved and was obsessed about this book. I found "Brain Games" in his book pile of favorites and, each time I took it back, he'd find it again and return it to his room (it's like we were silently fighting over the book). He loves puzzles and seeing different ones that he's never encountered before really grasped his interest and made him happy.

Author Stephanie Warren Drimmer lives in California. She has contributed to many science publications. Puzzle-lover Dr Gareth Moore is from the UK.

Book breakdown:
160 pages
Full color photographs and illustrations
Best for ages: 9 and older
Educational factor: medium
Christian content: N/A
Parents could be concerned about: Nothing.