Three-dimensional technology is taking over every facet of entertainment, even books. These new children's books offer 3-D drama with special glasses and without.

"Encyclopedia Mythologica: Dragons and Monsters" by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda; Candlewick Press; 12 pages; 22.99.

Reinhart and Sabuda are well known as the masters of the paper technology involved in pop-up mastery. "Dragons and Monsters" is the third and final in their "Encyclopedia Mythologica" series, and though it's slightly dark and scary, it's spellbinding. Beginning with a gloriously huge and detailed Medusa in Ancient Greece to dragons and vampires that rise from coffins, the fascinating journey continues with werewolves baying at the moon and even zombies crawling out of graves.

More than just awe-inspiring, succinct descriptions explain how the mythological stories of the creatures are unique to certain cultures around the globe.

"Wild Oceans" by Lucio and Meera Santoro; Little Simon/Simon and Schuster; 12 pages; $27.99.

Also in the pop-up genre, this "Santoro Swing" book contains magnificent sea-themed pop-ups that swing out of the pages, bringing whales, anglerfish and colorful tide pools to life. A "frozen oceans" page spread introduces the birds and ocean life of the Antarctica; and the result is icy cool and worthy of display. Smaller foldout books provide smaller pop-ups, from "the coral kingdom," "monsters of midnight," "the open sea" and "the blue whale," all of which add more ocean-y detail.

Definitely 3-D and interactive, "Wild Oceans" includes info about oceanic zones and their inhabitants, but it is also as exciting for kids as a scuba journey beneath the sea.

"3-D Human Body," by Richard Walker; and "3-D Dinosaur", by John Woodward, from DK Publishing; 42 pages each; $17.99 each.

The new look of DK's popular Eyewitness series, these high-tech interactive books bring 3-D animations to life using software downloaded with each book's instructions.

After downloading, kids find one of the augmented reality symbols in each book, hold it up to a webcam and watch as the book images spring to life. They then can cover the coded pictures on the pages to trigger the 3-D pop-outs that will then move around and spring to life.

Perfectly usable and informative even without a computer and webcam, the books include tons of Eyewitness-worthy descriptions of every facet of the human body or dinosaurs. Aimed at older audiences, maybe ages 9 and up, these truly innovative educational guides truly bring the subjects to life.

"Kittens in 3-D" and "Puppies in 3-D" by Yoneo Morita; HarperDesign/HarperCollins; 88 pages; $16.99.

From Poodles to Pomeranians, Chihuahuas to Jack Russell Terriers and many more, "Puppies in 3-D" captures the adorable personalities of each puppy breed and describes each dog's genetic origins, historical use, defining features and more.

"Kittens in 3-D" captures the quintessential personalities of several breeds of young cats as they make funny faces, curl up for a nap or frolic in the yard. Best of all with both books, a 3-D view-finer causes puppies and kittens to spring right off the pages. Not every image is three dimensional, ensuring the books can be enjoyed with or without the view-finders, so technophiles and old-fashioned pet lovers can partake.

Well-known in Japan, photographer Yoneo Morita, especially known for his "big nose" technique, makes his photos especially adorable and exaggerated. Famous quotes are also included.

"Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book" by Lucy Cousins; Candlewick Press; 14 pages; $12.99.

Preschoolers love pop-ups books with movable parts. This uber-colorful interactive book invites tots to lift flaps and pull tabs to learn all about the weather with popular mouse character Maisy. Sturdy technology couples with large, thick lettering and whimsical, zesty illustrations make Cousins' book a smart choice for beginning science introduction. It's also just plain fun.

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.