Funny, gross, intriguing, everything a little boy (and some girls) would love! This "how to" guide shows you how to be mummified if you were a rich Egyptians 3,000 years ago. It shows you how to hire mourners, recycle linen, even protect yourself from grave robbers.Pointing out religious practices, architectural features, and several Pharaohs, this book teaches about Ancient Egypt while entertaining the reader.
This book is a part of a group of books known as the You Wouldn't Want To Be series which explores historic eras and the grisly facts that surrounded them. It is a great way to engage students to want to learn more!
The illustrations are cartoon like, and funny, and sometimes a little too accurate! Like when they show the contents of the Canopic Jars, Yuck!!! My favorite part about the illustrations is their focus on detail. The pictures offer artwork, furniture, food, architecture, tools, and hieroglyphics that made up the Egyptian world. You are drawn into this book thought the imagery and its raw honesty. Many times teachers and parents wish to sugar coat difficult topics, but this book is refreshing in its brunt presentation of the topic while approaches it in a light and funny manner. I think that kids appreciate being told "the truth" and would really enjoy the layout and presentation of this book. These books would be fun to keep in the classroom to use as a read aloud to introduce new topics in social studies, or just to allow students to expand their knowledge on certain content in their free time. I would like to check out the rest of the series, especially You wouldn't want to be married to King Henry VIII!
From your review, this seems like a great book to get elementary school boys reading nonfiction. It seems like there is enough gross and disgusting stuff in the book to catch their attention. Thanks for pointing out that it is part of a series!
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