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Sphinxes (Mythology)
8 Reviews
(4)
4-6
Egypt's Ancient Secrets series.
This series about ancient Egyptian culture focuses on things related to death: tombs, mummies, and monuments. While that may sound morbid, color photographs and illustrations in bright, eye-catching layouts offer an enticing entry point into this part of the culture. However, the repetitive nature of the topic and reuse of some graphics and information across the series are drawbacks. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Egypt's Ancient Secrets titles: Ghost Ship, The Great Pyramid, King Tut, The Sphinx, Tomb Robbers, and Valley of the Golden Mummies.
Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo
(4)
4-6
Mysteries of History series.
For thousands of years, many have tried to understand the mysterious Great Sphinx of Giza: mainly, who built it and why? This volume presents a concise narrative history, including major archeological developments and theories. With frequent inserts (and an appendix) of comprehension activities, publisher's links, and writing prompts, the series is more focused on core standards than general research. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Reviewer: David Elzey
(4)
4-6
While visiting a museum's Egyptian exhibit, Jake and Kady are drawn into another adventure in the mystical world of Pangaea. Joined by old companions and a new one--Princess Nefertiti--the gang continues to explore the mysteries of time and combat the evil schemes of the Skull King. Chases and fight scenes elbow out character development in this good-humored, frenetically paced action-adventure.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(3)
K-3
The process of how an artifact--in this case, an Egyptian Sphinx--ends up in a museum is explained to a group of visiting children. From "ordered by the pharaoh" to "repaired by the conservators," no step is left unexplored; textured cartoon illustrations help illuminate the events. This thorough discussion of the archaeological and curatorial processes will satisfy young historians.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
(4)
YA
Dark Reflections Trilogy series.
Translated by Elizabeth D. Crawford.
Merle and her allies (including romantic interest Serafin) take the final, fearful steps necessary to save their beloved Venice from the marauding Egyptian Empire. Dual story lines sap tension, and attempts to connect the many plot strands of the previous books can be convoluted, but Merle and Serafin's reunion reinvigorates the narrative, propelling the inventive trilogy to a bittersweet end.
Reviewer: Claire E. Gross
(4)
4-6
Monsters series.
Each volume presents the history and legends associated with the title creature, including appearances in popular culture and connections to real animals (where applicable) that might have inspired the legends. Stories from different parts of the world are included, which adds interest and context, though the texts can be dry. The range of photographs and illustrations will appeal to readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: The Sphinx, The Kraken, Mermaids, and Sirens.
Reviewer: Beth L. Meister
(4)
YA
Dark Reflections Trilogy series.
Translated by Elizabeth D. Crawford.
With Venice overtaken by the Egyptian empire, orphan Merle escapes with a stone lion and a disembodied goddess to seek help from the ruler of Hell. Meanwhile, Merle's best friend Serafin joins a sphinx's plot to overthrow the Pharaoh. The alternation of narratives leaches tension from the near-constant action, but Meyer's strong characters effectively ground his deeply complex plot.
Reviewer: Claire E. Gross
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bagram Ibatoulline.
Giblin discusses the construction of and accruing knowledge about the Sphinx, including the cultural and architectural forces at work from the prehistoric periods through the Fourth Dynasty, the newly formulated hypotheses concerning workers at Giza, and the legend surrounding Prince Thutmose's first restoration of the Sphinx. The illustrations concentrate on the structure and depend on perspective to impart drama. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2004
8 reviews
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