Ancient Egyptians

Children's Literature - Karen Porter

This resource book is more appropriate for a school library than a child's bookshelf. Its many colorful pictures and well-labeled diagrams make it an ideal supplement to a study of Ancient Egypt. Students will enjoy the attractive layout and be drawn to the many clearly stated facts in the book. However, the book does not provide an overall picture of Ancient Egypt and the conceptual understanding that is the focus of current social studies curriculum.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-The novel and intriguing feature of these volumes is their combination of myths and legends with the more typical historical and archaeological matter. For example, in Greeks, the myth of "Arachne the Weaver" is coupled with a two-page spread on clothing and jewelry. Each overview consists of a brief introduction, followed by succinct thematic paragraphs on various aspects of the topic, accompanied by small but clear, full-color photographs of objects from the civilization or energetic illustrations inspired by the ancients. Illustrative captions are in italics to distinguish them from the text of the mini-essays. By following narrative pieces with factual information about the society, the authors encourage students to see the culture in a more rounded manner, as well as provide a sharp lesson in distinguishing between fiction and nonfiction. Egyptians has a few errors. The opposite sides of the important Narmer Palette are shown, but both are referred to as the "back." When discussing trade and expansion, the author claims that "Egypt's natural boundaries kept it safe from foreign invasion for 3000 years," which is simply incorrect. On this same page, a prominent feature of Thutmose III's reign-his almost inveterate seasonal military campaigning-is referred to as "battles." Even so, this is a handsome and well-constructed volume, and both it and its Greek companion bring a new manner of presentation to this area of children's nonfiction.-Coop Renner, Coldwell Elemen-