Mummies

Author: Joyce Milton

Illustrator: Susan Swan

Published: In 1996 by Penguin Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0448413259

Synopsis: 

      Want to know something about Ancient Egyptian burials?  Take a look at Mummies level three Easy Reader book.  It provides information on the construction of the pyramids and the process of mummification.  It also discusses modern peoples' change in attitude toward the use and study of Ancient Egyptian mummies.

My Reaction:

Here's an example of one of the illustrations in Mummies 

      Mummies is perfect for newly independent readers because it uses commonly encountered and easily understood vocabulary. Furthermore, it directly defines any new vocabulary that it presents, such as "natron," and provides phonetic pronunciations for each foreign term, like "pharaohs" (say: FA-rows) or "Khufu" (say: KOO-foo). Mummies is written with children in mind. By using a child's vocabulary and relate-able explanations, Mummies can convey complex historic, scientific and ritualistic concepts to children in a clear and accessible way. They will not need to ask adults to translate the information into words that they can understand. In this way it allows the student to take control of their knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, the book uses direct questions and answers and attractive cut-paper illustrations to engage the reader. If you take a look at the example illustration on the left you will notice that they greatly resemble actual Egyptian art, depicted below. This acknowledgement of Ancient Egyptian art is an excellent addition to the book because it exposes students to a culturally accurate and specific art style.     

Here's an example of actual Ancient Egyptian Art

 

     Reviewers offer a few criticisms about the breadth of facts included in Mummies. Many people wish Milton had included more information. The School Library Journal stated it that it was unfortunate that "the author does not explain when pharaohs began and ceased building pyramids, and when modern adventurers and archaeologists started exploring and studying these historical artifacts." I agree that it would have been beneficial for the author to incorporate some kind of concrete timeline for students, so they could better understand when these events occurred within history.

       Despite this critique, I feel Mummies is an excellent resource for teaching students about how and why the pyramids were constructed. It appears to be a well-researched book, however nothing other than an inscription thanking James F. Romano, PhD; Curator, Department of Egyptian, Classical and Ancient Middle Eastern Art at the Brooklyn Museum, is included to indications where and how the information reported in this book was collected.

My Rating (1-5 stars):

Still Curious: 

If you want to know more interesting information about Mummies check out this website

You can also investigate some of these other resources:

Secrets of the Mummies                                             National Geographic Kids Readers: Mummies