Egyptian Myths

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-A remarkably readable collection of 11 stories based on ancient temple inscriptions, hieroglyphic texts, and tomb paintings. Morley's introduction prepares readers for a journey through Egypt's land of myth. The creation tale of Ra, explanations of the moon's phases and of how mummies came to be, and the story of the first pyramid are just some of the stories included. Details of Egyptian life are carefully woven into the tales without becoming burdensome. The style is engaging, leading readers through deserts and mysterious waters. Each spread is bordered by decoratively painted Egyptian columns; tiny, boxed pictures of people appear at the top of each page. In addition, there is at least one full-color illustration per spread. One minor quibble-the Egyptians on these pages are surprisingly light skinned. This book contains many of the same stories found in Geraldine Harris's Gods and Pharaohs from Egyptian Mythology (Peter Bedrick, 1992), but Morley's retellings are easier to read. The fresh, accessible storytelling style makes this a fine choice.-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Aloha, OR Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|