Ancient Egypt

February 1, 2016

Gr 2-4-A survey of Aancient Egyptian history, culture, and daily life. This pocket-size book discusses the development of Egyptian society, explaining in broad, accessible terms the various transformations in its history. The text goes beyond the pyramids and mummies, discussing Egypt's geography, climate, mythology, and medical advances. Ohlin describes in detail everyday necessities such as travel and the three-season agricultural year. Readers also learn about the process of preparing mud bricks and the option of going to the market. Especially helpful is the clarification concerning the oft-confused distinction between Upper and Lower Egypt. Shaded boxes contain information on the gods, the calendar, and other facets of ancient Egyptian life. Important pharaohs, such as Hatshepsut, Akhenaton, and Ramses II, are covered, as are significant cultural achievements, including the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Larkum's simple, stylized illustrations depict clothing, household tools, and everyday scenes. These black-and-white line drawings capture fluid motion. The visuals and text share space evenly on the page, and illustrations range from quarter-page artifact details to full-page maps. While lacking the color of other titles, such as Miles Harvey's Look What Came from Egypt (Franklin Watts, 1998), this is an accessible, handy, and interesting work. VERDICT Fun, informative, and digestible nonfiction.-Jeffrey Meyer, Mt. Pleasant Public. Library, IA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2016
Grades 2-4 Elementary-school readers looking to get the gist of some of history's great civilizations without being bombarded by dates and figures will be well served by the approachable Blast Back! series. Admirably comprehensive in their scope, both titles provide a historic overview that touches on when a civilization existed, its geography and climate, government, religion, daily life, medical practices, lasting contributions to human society, architectural achievements, and significant persons and deities. Cartoonlike line drawings appear on nearly every page, and the large-type font ensures younger readers won't be overwhelmed by the text. Though loosely drawn maps appear in both volumes, readers may need to consult a modern map to truly grasp where these civilizations were located. Ancient Egypt discusses how the Nile River shaped much of Ancient Egyptian culture, the godlike status of the pharaoh, and how researchers are still learning from mummies and writings this civilization left behind. Ohlin explains vocabulary in-text and at times directly addresses readers, inviting them to imagine living in these distant societies. These friendly overviews will serve as great jumping-off points for more in-depth learning.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)