Ancient Egypt

November 1, 2015

Gr 3-5- Jeopardy champion Jennings introduces readers to ancient Egypt. The book is divided into chapters that tackle geography, the pyramids, mummification, mythology, and daily life. Featuring more text than images, this is a good option for older elementary school readers making steps toward more informational nonfiction. Children are treated to cipher puzzles, recipes, and activities. Jennings also covers hieroglyphics and the ancient board game Senet. Lowery's line drawings, ranging in size from thumbnails to full-page illustrations, are cartoonish and purposely silly, such as singing hippopotami and a pyramid wearing sunglasses. Some images do convey a significant amount of information, including a scroll that outlines Egyptian chronology, a portrait of the Pyramid of Khufu that details the structure's interior corridors, and a map of the archaeological site of Karnak. The tongue-in-cheek humor make this accessible to many readers, though the zingers render the work less serious than other titles on Egypt, including David L. Weitzman's Pharaoh's Boat (HMH, 2009). Nevertheless, Jennings knows what will get children's attention. VERDICT Those interested in the ancient world will enjoy this fun and interactive title.-Jeffrey Meyer, Mt. Pleasant Public Library, IA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Grades 3-5 Jeopardy! champ Jennings shares his knowledge of ancient Egypt in his latest Junior Genius Guide, which highlights important information like a Book of the Dead spell to protect the deceased from eating animal poop and Horus' epic battle with his uncle Set. Although the table of contents is arranged as a class schedule, with learning periods, lunch, and recess, the text is topically organized to include geography, pharaohs, pyramids, mummies, mythology, and the end of the empire. Jennings keeps his tone playful and jokeyaided by Lowery's illustrationsand never claims to be attempting an encyclopedic overview of this culture. Instead, he adheres to the Junior Genius motto, Always curious, offering interesting tidbits on ancient Egypt's innovations, intelligence, and wonders. Interspersed with the informational sections are related crafts and activities, such as making the ancient board game senet. Occasionally, sections include confusing jumps in time, but, overall, things progress in a logical manner, and readers are asked to utilize knowledge gained in previous chapters. An excellent way to spark curiosity in young readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)