Ancient Egypt

by Penelope Arlon

A visual guide to ancient Egypt for newly confident readers.

This book is packed with exclusive photos so that kids can see ancient Egypt like never before! The images are accompanied by time lines, step-by-steps, and cross-section graphics for original and startling insights into pharaohs, mummy making, and pyramids. Most of all, the book encourages children to think for themselves: Was King Tut murdered, or did he die of natural causes? Can you decode hieroglyphics and read the Book of the Dead?

80 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

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Reviews

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the layout!

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title from the Discover More series introduces the reader to the culture of Ancient Egypt that lasted over 3000 years. The text is artfully crafted around full color photographs to bring history alive for the reader. Each two page spread covers one topic of interest in a way that will engage young readers. Topics covered include ancient inventions, Great Pharaohs, food and drink, and journey to the afterlife.

Reference aids in the book include a table of contents, glossary and index. It also comes with a code to unlock digital content on Scholastic's Discover More website. The digital content included with this title is a companion book entitled "Amazing Mummy Tales."

Ancient Egypt and its companion Amazing Mummy Tales would be an excellent resource for middle grade students who are learning or are interested in the ancient civilization. Its layout and style would grab their interest and help to keep them reading till the end.

I would recommend this book for purchase for any school or public library. It's layout and price also make it appealing for purchase as a gift or for a home library.

This book was provided by the publisher for review by SWON Libraries.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the Scholastic Discover More books and introduces readers to ancient Egypt. The oversized photographs and illustrations of statues, artifacts, etc. are breathtaking and overtake the pages. Roughly grouped into three sections, the prose reveals the history and avid interest in the ancient civilization, everyday life and culture, and lastly the Egyptians’ keen fascination with the afterlife. There is ample information for those with an interest in ancient Egypt, and this book is an excellent and painless introduction to the subject. One spread features an interview with an Egyptologist. Back matter includes a glossary and index and, of course, the free digital companion book that is a wonderful feature of this series. The title is an excellent browsing book, especially for special populations and ELLs, and would be a worthwhile addition to any library. (Note: The fact box that describes Cleopatra’s “…Final Moment” states that she died as a result of an asp bite. There should have been a disclaimer that this version of her death is legend or romanticized. Historians still cannot agree on the actual cause of her death.)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glorious photographs and engaging text provide a feast for anyone interested in Egypt and how the Egyptians' burial practices. Readers will find examples of mummified cats, dogs, and pharaohs as well as visuals that allow them to enter a tomb and explore its contents. Thumbnail sketches about various rulers and events in Egypt's history are provided. I really enjoyed this title and would have given it a higher ranking except the author included the story of how Cleopatra died by allowing an asp to bite her after learning that Mark Anthony had died. I've heard other versions of her death that say that isn't quite what happened. Perhaps the author should have made it apparent that there is still uncertainty about her death. Maybe that's a small matter to some, but not to others.

[Jtimko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a quick look into life in Ancient Egypt and connect via the internet to additional sites concerning Ancient Egypt.
This book is jam-packed with information that the young researcher will use in reports and presentations. Each short chapter covers various aspects of everyday life in Ancient Egypt from commoner to pharaoh. Each page contains a large illustration that is covered with additional vignettes on that particular topic. Nearly every inch of space is covered with information. The addition of an digital book adds to the value of the book. This would be a great purchase for any library.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a quick read for those interested in ancient Egypt who don't have a lot of time to read a large book. The photos and drawings are well done and vivid; they include both modern day and ancient views. There are little facts scattered throughout for those just skimming, as well as detailed information. One fascinating fact: Did you know that the ancient Egyptians named their country after the Nile River? They called it Kemet, which means dark land, because of the dark, fertile mud near the river.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of quibbles marred my enjoyment of this attractive book.