Ancient Rome

Children's Literature

This introduction to the world of the ancient Romans is from the "Let's See Library" series. Each chapter consists of one page of information and one illustration. Chapter one details the geography of ancient Rome. Chapter two describes the positions (government, landowners, slaves) of Roman people as well as typical clothing, followed by a description of the life of the various classes of people. The religion of ancient Rome and the recreational activities of Romans are described. The government of Rome and details of the work of various Romans are presented. The art and architecture of Rome is discussed. The final chapter discusses how we found out information about the ancient Romans, such as excavating the city of Pompeii. A glossary and a brief "Did You Know?" list, as well as sources for further information, finish out the book. There are numerous color illustrations, including maps, but no color photographs of Rome as it exists today or any artifacts that have been uncovered. The information is outlined clearly, but might not be particularly intriguing to children (I found the "Did You Know?" list to be the most interesting part of the book.) Romulus and Remus are mentioned, but the legend of how one was raised by a wolf is not. Julius Caesar is noticeably absent as well. Although a bit dry at times, there is good information that provides the early elementary student with an introduction to ancient Rome. 2003, Compass Point Books,
— Amie Rose Rotruck

School Library Journal

Gr 1-2-Two easy-to-read books, with two paragraphs per page set in large type. Each one begins with a simplified color map of the area. On each spread, a page of text faces a full-color photo or reproduction. These "chapters" address geography, history, clothing, religion, government, jobs, arts, and archaeology. Additionally, Egypt has a page on the importance of the Nile River, while Rome includes a bit about Roman entertainment. Although these books contain some worthwhile facts, the information is often too vague and uneven in its specificity. In Egypt's section on jobs, the first sentence is "Farming was the most common work-," but there is no mention anywhere in the book about what crops were produced. In Rome, the chapter does mention that farmers "-grew wheat, barley, grapes, and olives" and "raised sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals." In the daily life section, however, the wealthier Romans are said to have eaten "-vegetables with meat or fish, and sweet cakes for dessert." One is left trying to imagine what kinds of vegetables and what types of sweet cakes. Lucilla Watson's The Egyptians (Rourke, 1986; o.p.) has more information.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.