What child wouldn't love a book that comes with its own vault? What adult wouldn't love that? Do Not Open: An Encyclopedia of the World's Best-Kept Secrets is a new release from DK Publishing, and it is possibly one of the most fascinating encyclopedias to be read!
Conspiracy theorists, ghost hunters, and armchair private investigators take note: this is a great way to introduce your children to the mysteries the known universe has to offer. This book tackles tons of topics that have had people questioning the powers that be for centuries. From aliens to brain washing to Elvis, if it has sparked controversy, it's included. The information is presented in collaged snippets, accentuating the colorful illustrations and photographs that accompany each theme. Each idea includes a notation that directs the reader to another related topic in the book, so the reader can progress from front to back or jump around to the subjects that most interest them. Some concepts have fold out pages or hidden windows, encouraging interaction.
This heavy textbook style encyclopedia comes encased in its own cardboard vault, which is a key selling point for children. Even before he knew the content of the book, my son was fleeing with the vault to lock up his toys. Once I pointed out the pages entitled "The Missing Link" that were spotted with dinosaurs, he eagerly took the book and spent a few hours perusing different subjects.
The marketing for this book is creative and fun. An interactive website adds to the experience, and several YouTube trailers, hinting at a conspiratorial sabotage of the printing, make the book seem like a forbidden fruit that just has to be acquired. The use of video trailers to advertise new releases is becoming more prevalent, and readers will begin to automatically seek out this feature. It adds a great deal of mystique and depth to this particular title.
Do Not Open serves as an intriguing introduction to the mysteries of the world for children ages 9 to 12. With only a few pages dedicated to each theme, the reader will likely be encouraged to research topics of interest further. After they've been teased with these classified facts, they're sure to be hooked on performing their own investigations. Do Not Open reminds us there is much in the world that lacks explanation and encourages the reader to pose their own theories. It's already a favorite in our home.