The Mystery of Sleep — Alvin Silverstein

Gr 3-6 The authors of the more lab-oriented Sleep and Dreams (Lippincott, 1974) here take a good middle path between accessibility and technicality. They build a fact-based overview of the mental and physical phenomena of sleep. Satisfyingly information packed, the book links research findings with readers' experiences while being neither oversimplified nor patronizing. Special attention is given to problems such as snoring, sleepwalking, and nightmares. There is a sensible view of insomnia and a non-hysterical look at sleeping pills. While there are a few questionable callshibernation is not distinguished from sleep; the natural human sleep cycle is taken as 24 hours (it's actually a little longer)they seem to be considered rather than negligent. Davis' upbeat drawings are a great addition and set a cozy mood. This is a fine book for readers curious about an aspect of themselves that they can't observe directly. Paul Bogrow, Pasadena , Calif.