I wonder why pyramids were built? and other questions about ancient Egypt

Gr 4-6-This question-and-answer book on ancient Egypt is sort of interesting, but it doesn't provide enough information for reports. Also, some of the cartoon illustrations and accompanying quips, while entertaining, skirt answering the questions fully, and the humor often misdirects the factual material. Steels explains that other deities besides Sebek were represented by animals, but that ``Osiris and Isis were luckier. They were shown as a great king and queen.'' ``Luckier'' is the author's (not the Egyptians') take on the matter, but readers might not make this differentiation. These are subtle biases, but ones that make the book better as a supplement to other resources than a stand-alone reference.-Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This look at ancient Egyptian culture combines information and irreverence. Depending on one's outlook, such an approach either humanizes this mysterious culture or makes it look ridiculous. The paintings are realistic and respectful, but the cartoons are silly. Some of the text passages are outlandish -- intentionally. Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.