Secrets Of The Sphinx (Orbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (Awards))
Grade 4-7–For thousands of years the Sphinx at Giza has gazed east toward the Nile River. Today, within hundreds of yards from its base, buses unload tourists at the edge of Cairo's urban sprawl. Giblin recounts the history of this monolithic symbol of power and the problems of erosion, air pollution, and tourism that face it today. He provides background on the location, hieroglyphic writing, Egyptian religion, and the flourishing of Fourth Dynasty (considered responsible for the creation of the Sphinx). He weaves ancient legends about the monument with commentary from a first-century visitor (Pliny) and modern-day controversies. Giblin also covers the recent discovery of a workers' settlement at the Giza Plateau and what this tells us about the builders of the monuments. However, his recounting of the story of the destruction of Atlantis and its relationship to the Edgar Cayce Foundation's continued efforts to find a "records chamber" under the statue is a lengthy and confusing digression. Sand-toned paintings reveal the Sphinx in its ancient and modern grandeur and provide readers with an idea of the work performed by laborers at Giza. A simple, attractive map highlights important sites. While many books on ancient Egypt mention the Sphinx, this is the only title devoted exclusively to the topic for this audience. PairingSecretswith Zahi Hawass'sCurse of the Pharaohs(National Geographic, 2004) will provide readers with additional context and bring them up-to-date on archaeological work in the region.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library JournalCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.