Tales of the Dead: Ancient Egypt
Grade 3-6-This offering blends the popular cross-sections and a factoids format with a graphic novel. The story, told in strips along the tops, bottoms, and/or sides of the pages, is set during the reign of the pharaoh Sobekneferu and features the son of a priest inexplicably coming to the aid of a serving girl betrothed to the chief embalmer. The teens meet and follow the embalmer when he raids a tomb in one of the pyramids. When they try to gather evidence of his theft, he tries to kill them. Finally, he is discovered, and killed trying to escape. While this story meanders through the pages of this book, aspects of life in ancient Egypt are covered in the center of each spread. Places that the young heroes visit are discussed, including the pyramids, a temple, the House of the Dead, and the Nile. The information is presented in the usual DK format, with small bites of facts and lots of labeled pictures (all drawings); all of it can be found in numerous other books on Egypt, including many DK titles. Bonson's clear cross-sections and inside views are particularly good; they feature great details and can be easily viewed. However, the story is too weak to appeal to a general audience, and the information is too scant for a report. While the goal of making the ancient world accessible to children is laudable, this effort falls short.Lynda S. Poling, Long Beach Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.