Admittedly, at first I thought the Harry Potter Magic Eye Book: 3D Magical Creatures, Beasts and Beings would be a bit silly and childish, given the pages full of random Harry Potter films graphics. It didn't quite make sense how to go about finding the supposed 3D object within the montage of overlapping images, but once found, it is quite spectacular.

The instructions are pretty straight-forward, though it would be advisable to not stare with your nose pressed against the image for more than 30 seconds, lest you want to cause severe eye strain and get a headache. Also, try not to do more than two images after another, because again, it's a bit of a strain on the eye muscles, especially given how the muscles are being manipulated in order to see the 3D image beyond the montage.

Once the technique of finding the image has been mastered, there is a difference between a haze of overlapping images as you move the page away from your face, and the actual 3D image that sticks out rather prominently. At some points it is incredibly clear what the object - in this case, magical creature - is, and how they are shaped. It's much easier to spot the 3D image on montages that are mostly light-toned and brightly-coloured, as there is more of a contrast with shades; with those that are mostly dark, it is somewhat more difficult to decipher the 3D image - not only what it is, but it actually coming out at you. For that, take a few tries at it (though, again, give yourself and your eyes a few minutes to rest), and you will see the final result. Without giving too much away, you will be somewhat blown away by how much the final image does come out of the page, and the fact that once you have it in sight, it'll still be there even if you move the page around a bit.

The montages require a bit of concentration in order to locate the 3D image, so perhaps it isn't aimed for younger fans, but a definite collectible for older ones.

The Harry Potter Magic Eye Book: 3D Magical Creatures, Beasts and Beings, out November 2, 2010, can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.