The Ancient World of the Bible
Grade 3-6?Much more than a reference book, this slim volume combines lively retellings of many highlights of the Hebrew Bible (chronologically grouped under "The First People," "Abraham's Family," "The Israelites in Egypt," "The Promised Land," "David's Kingdom," "The Time of the Prophets," and "The Exile") with captioned, information-packed, full-color illustrations; maps; and diagrams. Weddings and burials, food, work, children's games, plants, idols, and many other aspects of ancient times claim readers' attention. The stories are printed on what looks like fragments of parchment; this technique sets them apart from the rest of the material. An index doubles the utility of the book; unfortunately, there is no pronunciation guide. Imaginative reconstruction, careful description, and realistic depiction all make this an attractive precursor to such longer works as Selina Hastings's excellent Children's Illustrated Bible (Dorling Kindersley, 1994).?Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.