Learning about Mummies

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6 Providing a smattering of information on prepared and naturally occurring mummies, Alden trivializes the whole subject in an attempt to combine humor with information. Most of the attempts at humor are not funny (``a mummy is not a mommy usually'') or relevant (``after all, a mummy needs its rest''). Even the facts are not given completely. The strange custom of using ground mummy as medicine (``A little mummy goes a long way'') is much more thoroughly explained in Mummies, Tombs and Treasures (Clarion, 1987) by Lila Perl, as well as where the word mummy itself came from and evolved. The illustrations alternate between black-and-white sketches and overly brightly colored depictions. Many books on this fascinating topic exist; this one is superfluous. ``And that about wraps it up.'' Frances E. Millhouser, Arlington County Department of Libraries, Va.