Mummies (National Geographic Readers Series)

by Elizabeth Carney

Overview

Why were mummies mummified? These mysterious corpses provide a fascinating window on the past of cultures worldwide. Mummies has plenty of ghoulish intrigue to keep young readers reading. This irresistible title provides the solid science behind the myths and guarantees a successful and rewarding reading experience for kids at Level 2. Mummiesis a compelling combination of fun, facts, jokes and captivating photography.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426305283
Publisher:	National Geographic Society
Publication date:	09/08/2009
Series:	National Geographic Readers Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	25,147
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	640L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

ELIZABETH CARNEY is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in nonfiction children's books and science, math, and STEM-related magazines. Her author credits includeEverything Big Cats, Everything Dolphins, Great Migrations: Whales, Wildebeests, Butterflies, Elephants, and Other Amazing Animals on the Move, and several titles in the Face to Face and National Geographic Readers series.

Elizabeth Carney received the 2005 AAAS Science Journalism Award for science reporting for children. Her titles Face to Face With Cheetahs, Face to Face With Gorillas, and Great Migrations: Whales, Wildebeests, Butterflies, Elephants, and Other Amazing Animals on the Move appeared on the National Science Teachers Association's Outstanding Science Trade Book list for 2008, 2009, and 2010 respectively.

Editorial Reviews

Why is it that these creatures seem so scary—even the cover of this "National Geographic Kids/Level 2" reader looks like something promoting a horror movie. The table of contents page lets readers know that there is going to be a significant amount of information in this slim book. It starts with the discovery of a mummy in a swamp bog and then follows with a discussion of why this and other mummies did not decay. Some are preserved naturally, as in the case of those who managed to end up in a bog where the lack of oxygen prevents decay, or those that have been frozen in ice for centuries while others are preserved by people. The following pages offer more details about naturally preserved mummies and those that are man-made. Since this is a National Geographic publication, the pictures are very high quality and truly do aid in understanding the information presented. There are also little boxes on many pages entitled "Word Wrap" which offer definitions of some of the terms found in the text. One chapter is devoted to Tutankhamun and the related myth of the curse on those who discovered his tomb. Also interesting is learning that not only people but animals were mummified by people and even today there are mummies. The final pages have what look like word cards and then a story where the reader is supposed to supply the correct word. A book that would work for hi/lo readers as well as those reading at grade level. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot