Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-7. Stunning photographs and clear, compelling text introduce the burial area of the Egyptian rulers. Beginning with the thrilling discovery of King Tut's tomb, relayed in detailed anecdotes that convey the time-consuming complexity of an archeological dig, the book continues through other valley finds, introducing a few of the major rulers and their relationships, as well as speculation on the political scandals that surrounded some burials. Particularly notable are the finely reproduced photos of gleaming artifacts and the archival shots from the digs themselves. Most terms are defined in text, although a glossary would have been a useful addition. Well-marked maps, time lines, and illustrations depicting the imagined daily life of the tomb builders round out a fascinating historical resource that kids will read straight through for pleasure and also find useful for report writing. --Gillian Engberg
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An introduction to ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs buried in the Valley of the Kings. The authors begin with how archaeologist Howard Carter found the tomb of King Tut, then move back 3,000 years to the time of Thutmosis I, who built the first tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Finally they describe the building of the tomb of a later Pharaoh, Ramses II. The backward-forward narration is not always easy to follow, and the authors attribute emotions to the Pharaohs without citation. For example, Thutmosis III was furious [with Hatshepsut]. He was especially annoyed that she planned to be buried in KV 20, the tomb of her father. Since both these people lived 3,500 years ago, speculation on who was furious or annoyed should be used with extreme caution. And the tangled intrigue of Egyptian royalty is not easily sorted out in so brief a work. Throughout, though, there are spectacular photographs of ancient Egyptian artifacts, monuments, tomb paintings, jewels, and death masks that will appeal to young viewers. The photographs of the exposed mummies of Ramses II, King Tut, and Seti I are compelling. More useful for the hauntingly beautiful photos than the text. (brief bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
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