(4) K-3 Historical Biographies series. Although the information is at times confusingly presented, these brief, formulaic biographies of important rulers of ancient Greece, Egypt, Mali, and China provide good starting-off points for report writers. The books are liberally illustrated with maps and well-reproduced color images of art and artifacts of the subjects' eras. Reading list, pronunciation guide, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical Biographies titles: Alexander the Great, Hatshepsut, Mansa Musa, and Qin Shi Huangdi.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon. Fourteenth-century Malinke ruler Mansa Musa demonstrated his kingdom's wealth by leading a pilgrimage to Mecca. Burns invents a story of Musa's childhood that is part coming-of-age tale, part cautionary tale, and part fairy tale. The story is beautifully supported by the Dillons' jewel-like illustrations and stylized text ornaments on parchment-colored pages. The exotic setting and common fairy-tale motif will intrigue the right reader. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2001