Overview
From pyramids and mummies to temples and pharaohs, this creative and engaging reference explores what makes ancient Egypt one of most fascinating civilizations of all time. Combining diagrams, facts, and activities, this hands-on guide is a fun way to introduce kids to the incredible, ancient Egyptian world. Both entertaining and educational, this activity book features 25 interactive projects and games that use easily obtainable materials and require little adult supervision. Activities include making a scarab necklace, making an Egyptian headrest, and playing khuzza lawizza (Egyptian leap frog).
Editorials
Calliope Magazine
Will certainly intrigue readers and have them eagerly turning the pages to check out the next activity. The sidebars with information make excellent complements.Family Fun Magazine
Drawn in by such projects as mummified apples, hieroglyphs, colorful collar necklaces, and false beards made from toilet paper tubes, our tester families thought this book held nearly as much treasure as King Tut's tomb.School Library Journal
Six chapters with colorful titles begin with facts about the topic under several subheadings . . . the step-by-step directions are well written, and easy to follow.Children's Literature -
Graphically appealing and filled with both familiar and little-known facts about Ancient Egypt, this activity book does many things well. The introduction provides parallels between today's youth and boys and girls living in ancient Egypt from 3100 BCE to 639 CE. (The terms BCE and CE are explained in one of many "words to know" sidebars throughout the book). Twenty-five craft projects, games, experiments, and activities are spread throughout the six chapters entitled "Egyptian Homes," "Beer, Bread and Bartering," "Playtime," "Amulets, Clothes and Makeup," King Tut and Other Cool Kings," and "Mummies and Pyramids." Some of the writing projects include creating a home remedy book and writing your name using the hieroglyphic alphabet. Readers can explore mummification through an experiment using apples and various types of preservation methods. Clever jokes and then and now parallels are interspersed throughout the highly informative and well-paced book. A two-page glossary, a resources pages, and a well-developed index complete the book. Part of the "Explore Your World" series, the book's activities would be useful adjuncts to elementary Ancient Egypt history lessons and summer camp crafts projects. Reviewer: Debra Lampert-RudmanSchool Library Journal
Gr 1-5- Six chapters with colorful titles ("Beer, Bread, & Bartering" and "King Tut & Other Cool Kings") begin with facts about the topic under several subheadings. Short lists of "Words 2 Know," "Then & Now" comparisons, sidebars, and jokes appear throughout the sections. A few activities follow. For the most part, the step-by-step directions are well written and easy to follow, and they are accompanied by a helpful drawing or two. The information is basic and will not give new insights into ancient Egypt, but the facts are accurate and some of the activities are creative. The book is illustrated with humorous (but not realistic) black-and-white cartoon art. Though not an essential title, it will be of interest to children and their teachers as well as homeschooling families.-Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA