MUMMIES, PYRAMIDS, AND PHARAOHS: Book About Ancient Egypt (Paperback)

Scholastic, 2006. 1st Paperback Edition 1st Printing. Soft cover. New/No Jacket Issued. Gail Gibons color illustrations. CONDITION: UNREAD 2006 Scholastic paperback (STAPLED WRAPS), first paperback edition, first printing. Wonderful color illustrations which are historically accurate. CONTENT; Gibbons uses her familiar formula of basic text and ink-and-watercolor illustrations to introduce a topic of inherent interest to most kids--ancient Egypt. Spreads offer brief facts about society, homes, clothing, farming methods, and craftsmanship before turning to the enticing subject of mummies. Several pages include interesting details about how Egyptians prepared the wellborn for the afterlife, with close-up drawings of mummification and a cross-section of a pyramid's burial chambers. Younger children may need help with some of the more abstract concepts, such as the ancient Egyptians' spiritual beliefs. There are plenty of books available on the subject for this age group, but this one is a good place to start, with an approachable, simple text; lively scenes of Egyptians working and celebrating; and definitions of basic terms. Gibbons squeezes more interesting facts on a final page, which offers a bit of world context: "Other cultures, like the Mayans and the Aztecs, built great pyramids, too.