It's prime time to replace those video game/instant messaging/TV watching brain cells with some good old book learning. These new reference-type releases add fun to history, science and geography.

"The Wicked History of the World" by Terry Deary and Martin Brown; Scholastic; 96 pages; $10.99.

Kids with weak stomachs may want to avoid this "history with the nasty bits left in!" book, due to its straightforward, amazing information about human sacrifice, beheaded victims, voodoo, witchcraft, "terrible tombs" and "beastly barbarians." Wow, does this book make me happy to be a modern citizen! But all others will have a blast with the author's way of writing with a lighthearted slant, though some of the material is not so pleasant. Cartoons, silly illustrations, colorful boxed sections and fact boxes make the book more entertaining than a dreary reference guide, and plenty of jokes keep the mood silly, which is important due to the content.

A British to American glossary at the back helps readers, ages 9 and up please, easily translate many of the British author's slang. As his American editor notes, "don't get your knickers in a twist — turn off the telly, sit on your bum, and get reading this wicked, weird and totally wonderful history of the world."

"Disney Learning: Our World" by Maureen Hunter-Bone and Thea Feldman; Disney Press; 194 pages; $19.99.

Wow, to go from wicked beheadings to Disney learning is quite a switch. Pleasantly colorful and happy, this scrapbook-like reference book visits children in many different parts of the world, with wonderful photographs, small fact boxes, and animated Disney characters who pop in on each page.

In Nepal's four-page section, an adorable close-up picture of a little girl smiles out at readers who quickly learn Nepal's motto: "The motherland is worth more than the kingdom of Heaven." Snow leopards roam the region as well as the popularity of festivals, soccer, cricket and the delicious momo — a popular dumpling dish.

Proving that it is a small world after all, Disney's volume lets inquisitive elementary school children see how much they have in common with children living around the globe. Accessible and made familiar by the humor of the beloved Disney characters, "Our World" is a contemporary compendium sure to be a favorite in school and home libraries.

"What is Science?" by Rebecca Kai Dotlich; illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa; Henry Holt; 32 pages; $16.95.

Some youngsters see science as too mathematical and structured. Dotlich's friendly picture book introduces science as being "so many things. The study of stars and Saturn's rings. The study of rocks, geodes, and stones, dinosaur fossils, and old chipped bones."

The happy, rounded faces of children and friendly animals look through magnifying glasses, take sketches of butterflies, scuba dive and visit caves — all to show how accessible and fun science can be. Engaging and poetic, the bright book also mentions the importance of curiosity. Science is about asking questions and exploring possible answers, which is a super lesson to start off the beginning of a new school year.

"Pet Science" by Veronika Alice Gunter and Rain Newcomb; illustrated by Tom LaBaff; Lark Books; 80 pages; $14.95.

Why does your cat stalk your socks? Can fish see colors? What makes your pet howl, yowl and meow? The newest entry in Lark's highly regarded science series answers these questions and so much more. Subtitled "50 Purr-fectly Woof-Worthy Activities for You & Your Pets," the book answers pet mysteries, but more importantly invites kids to carry out easy experiments with the help of the animals.

Kids can imitate the variety of ways pets move by trying to slither, hop and scamper; they will also be able to test the buoyancy, strength and water resistance of different types of hair and feathers. A super way, by using their own beloved pets, to get kids interested in science — this book is fun and intriguing.

"Is My Dog a Wolf?" by Jenni Bidner; Lark Books; 64 pages; $9.95.

Another fascinating Lark pet science book, this smaller tome explains many dog/wolf comparisons, debunks popular myths about wolves, and allows readers to know why dogs like to lick humans' faces (you'll have to read to find out!).

Best of all, Bidner's close-up shots of a real wolf lair, including amazing historical pictures and illustrations, make "Is My Dog a Wolf?" a sure-fire hit for dog and wolf lovers ages 6 to 12.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.