Kid Picks with Philip Potempa

Here's our weekly showcase of the latest and greatest new selections in media for youth.

From books and games to educational toys and DVDs, there's never a dull moment for active and eager young minds.

This week, robots, dinosaurs and dragons populate the pages of three new hardcover books sure to stimulate young minds and creative imaginations.

BOOKS

Accord Publishing, $16.99, Ages 8 and up

"The Robot Book" by Heather Brown

Best described as an interactive story, this clever 12-page book uses the true and original 3D design. It features real cardboard twisting and turning gears that spin page by page without any buttons or batteries. From cogs to nuts and bolts, young readers are given a visual sense of the working mechanics for machinery in the guise of a robot. Best of all, the book also emphasizes the most important part of any project found ticking away inside, front and center. It's available in stores now.

Running Press, $16.95, Ages 5 to 8

"How to Raise a Dinosaur" by Natasha Wing

With delightful illustrations and fold-out panels and windows created by illustrator Pablo Bernasconi, this 12-page large early reading book is big in type and design. For any children fascinated by the early ideas of dinosaurs, this fun and silly guide explains the pretend ways of selecting and caring for a prehistoric pet. And as a reminder of how hungry these giants from the past can get, there are even bites taken out of some pages. It's available in stores or at runningpress.com

Running Press, $19.95, Ages 12 and up

"Hellfire: Plague of Dragons" written by Robert Weinberg

This large 127-page just released book has a long and interesting history. When the Historical Museum of New York was sorting saved and dated manuscripts in 2005, which had been stored away for decades, they discovered this fictional story account written by Robert Weinberg in 1922. Recounted and featuring lavish illustrations, both by Tom Wood, it shares a story of how an onslaught of mythical dragons plagued the early civilizations of Europe. It's available in stores now or at runningpress.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.