Lost Cities: A Beautiful Exploration of Ancient Architecture, History, and Geography for Children

by Giles Laroche

Combining world culture, history, geography and architecture, this visually stunning look at ancient cities around the globe takes readers to such places as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, and the mysterious sculptures of Angkor Wat. Perfect for fans of This is How We Do it and Atlas Obscura.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Picture Books, Juvenile, Architecture, Childrens, Kids

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2020

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic cut paper and layered artwork. Fascinating information about the lost cities; Giles writes a few paragraphs about each city. The back matter includes a timeline of the cities, and a bibliography. Excellent book.

[R Waterfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The info in this book was interesting, but the best part was the illustrations! Made from layers of cut-up paper, the illustrations are detailed and impressive. I loved learning about ancient cities, some of which I had heard of and others that I had no idea they existed. ⭐

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are stunning, don't miss the note in the back about how they were created. The text isn't bad but felt very written by a western person. I did learn a lot. I think this for older kids for sure. Solid 3.5 stars.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is going to appeal to all of the history buffs out there. Giles takes us through time, visiting lost cities from ancient (and a couple more modern) civilizations that have been rediscovered by explorers and archaeologists over the years. Each city is introduced with a simple paragraph about it. And then for those who want even more information, down below are more detailed answers to the questions of location, who lived there, why the city was lost, how it was discovered, and then what makes the lost city so mysterious. There's a lot of information without being overwhelming and boring.

It's all actually quite interesting to read. I have always been fascinated by the lost cities. But this book includes ones that I had not heard of before. So even this adult was able to learn something new inside these pages.

The illustrations are quite detailed, trying to show what we know of the daily life within these cities. They pop up from the page, almost looking 3D at times. They are even more impressive at the end when you get a breakdown of the intricate and time-consuming work put into each illustration.

Also included at the end is a world map that shows where each of the cities is found in relation to each other, and a timeline showing where each of them fall in history.

I would love this book in an elementary classroom for independent research and enjoyment.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laroche has put together a beautifully illustrated book about lost cities from around the world. Each two page spread is dedicated to a different city. The text gives its location, what is known of the people who lived there, why it was lost, how it was found, and what is mysterious about it. At the back of the book there is a timeline as well as a map showing all the cities mentioned. Some of the places were familiar while others were completely unknown to me. The artwork is done with many layers of paper and there is a page in the back where Laroche explains how the art was created as well. Selected sources are listed also. An excellent addition for elementary or an entry point for middle school curriculum of ancient civilizations.

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this book for a long time, and I'm glad I finally got around to it. This was just enough information and formatted in a way that it is intriguing; where, who, why it was lost, when it was found, and why it is mysterious (my favorite part).

I really liked the art style in this book-- and I like that there was an authors note about it-- but I really prefer real photos in nonfiction books (I know this subject matter can make that difficult, but not always in many of these examples, maybe most).

Backmatter includes world map with landmarks, timeline of when each one was build or started, note about artwork, and sources.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January. I loved this book. The illustrations are incredible and if you read this book be sure to check out the page at the end that explains how the illustrations were compiled...amazing. Very interesting descriptions of each "lost" city which would be interesting for younger children. Then at the bottom of each page, more in depth information is provided (i.e. location, who lived here, why was it lost, how was it found and what's mysterious) for older youngsters (and adults).

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very interesting book is about the cities of ancient civilizations. Each two page spread shows what a town during that time period would have been like and there are short pieces of text to explain where it was, who lived there, how it was lost and how it was found. I loved Laroche's other book "If You Lived Here" and so did my students, so I'm sure they're going to love this one too.

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good information packed into a small book for young readers. The illustrations are mesmerizing. I was also very impressed at wide representation of the featured cities. A marvelous book for children that will also entertain (and perhaps educate) adults!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A+ for illustrations, B for content. I wanted a bit more info. Will recommend to early elementary readers. Comes with timeline and map for the where and when of these cities. I liked that they ranged all over the world.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such care a precision went into creating each illustration for this book and making the ancient civilizations come alive. I liked how the civilizations were organized and how they followed the same structure.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful and full of interesting information

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed illustrations, interesting information. It's a winner.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the art. As much as I get why kids will get excited about lost cities, I feel like many of these “discoveries” were news to explorers, not necessarily locals.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have loved this book as a kid. Gorgeous paper cut illustrations accompany details about a variety of ancient cities that are fascinating and fun to learn more about.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to thirteen lost cities on five continents with impressively detailed paper-relief art.

[Cecile]

Mesopotamia

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief history and mystery of ancient cities that were lost and found- great for upper elementary ages.