Discover Ancient Egypt by Amanda Trane

Discover Ancient Egypt by Amanda Trane is a delightful early readers book. With simple language, and big glossy pictures, ancient Egypt comes to life for young readers. It discusses the pyramids, statuary and sculptures, and some deities, like Anubis and Bast. While it doesn’t go into detail, this book doesn’t shrink away from discussing mummies either. This is a great book for any child with a growing interest in history. My younger cubs absolutely loved it!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Xist Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Ready, Set, Opa! by Demetra Tsavaris-Lecourezos

Ready, Set, Opa! is the second book in the Young World Travellers series. Here the intrepid adventurers visit Greece. Their touring takes them through Athens, to the Olympic Stadium, the Parthenon, and the city of Sparta. As they go through their trip, they, and the reader, are treated to history tidbits, and Greek words with translation. There’s no pronunciation guide though. At the end of the story is a learning section with relevant questions to the reading.

My cubs and I enjoyed this book for the most part. They loved the history added in, and thought learning the Greek words was fun too, even without a pronunciation guide. I didn’t like that the little kid used the Greek flag as a cape. I felt it was rather disrespectful. I’m also unclear over the “magic crystal ball”, which seems to serve no useful purpose. Any rate, it’d be a great addition to any elementary school library and classroom. I’m all for books that promote cultural awareness on any level. Just don’t wear flags as capes!!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and TheWordVerve Inc for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Siuluk: The Last Tuniq by Nadia Saamurtok & illustrated by Rob Nix

Siuluk: The Last Tuniq is a story based on Inuit folklore regarding a race of giants called Tuniit or Tuniq. Siuluk is teased by his fellows because of his size, and strength. They call him the last Tuniq, the last of the giants. There are some, though, who do not believe he is as strong, even though he can carry seals and walrus over his shoulder with ease! Siuluk, tired of being harassed, issues a challenge to match his strength. Needless to say, average people can’t…

I read this with my cubs, and we all enjoyed it. The artwork is absolutely lovely, and I appreciate that it is based on Inuit lore. It’s a fairly simple story with deep meaning- acceptance. Siuluk had to fight for his acceptance. He was a huge man, and clearly strong, yet he was pestered into proving it. We shouldn’t need to justify ourselves for other people’s opinions. This is also a story about patience. Rather than getting angry, and lashing out, Siuluk calmly set up his challenge. Highly recommended as part of any young reader’s library.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Myrick Marketing & Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

The inspired Traveller’s Guide to Spiritual Places by Sarah Baxter

Baxter is a travel journalist, and with The Inspired Traveller’s Guide to Spiritual Places, has compiled a gorgeous collection of spiritual locations from around the world. Rapa Nui, Kyoto, Uluru, and Devil’s Tower are among the places covered. Each of the 25 locations has a bit of history, tales of past visitors, and suggestions for a visit of your own, along with stunning watercolour sketches, and pictures. I really enjoyed this book! The only sadness was that Cahokia and Chaco Canyon were not among the places included. A great addition to any coffee table collection!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.