Famous Figures of Ancient Egypt
written and illustrated by Cathy Diez-Luckie
Figures in Motion, ©2009
Interest Level: 7 to 10
Readers can select from among the group of 19 men and an elephant (Hannibal’s elephant), to create puppets of historic figures. You’ll find emperors, conquerors, and philosophers. These are the great men of Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and Jerusalem. There is a two-paragraph biography on each person at the front of the book, followed by two pages of the character the reader needs to build.
I love books that bring history (0r reading) to life. When I saw Famous Figures, I was instantly captivated by the idea of creating puppets of historical figures and allowing the kids to role play as a learning process. This book covers the globe (ancient as it was) and balances disciplines (philosophers and conquerors) and fame (Alexander the Great and a Greek Hoplite). Cut the pieces out and connect them with mini-brads, fasteners, or 1/8-inch eyelets. Once the figure is assembled, kids can “play out the real stories of history or make up their own and travel through time.”
- This is a creative book that offers a way to reinforce learning in a meaningful way.
- There is a set of pre-colored pieces for those who aren’t artistic; and a set of coloring book-styled pieces for those who want to create originals.
- The pages are cardstock quality paper, giving them some durability and sturdiness.
- I would definitely recommend it, even for home use. It is a great way for you to play with your kids and learn together.
- There isn’t a lot of background about on the characters. One reviewer calls is a “supplemental activity book,” yet it would be ideal for an audience that has not yet learned ancient history (i.e., elementary students).
This isn’t a book that you’re likely going to find in your local library because the pages are perforated. If you know kids who learn best with hands-on activities, this is a must have.
Last but not least, Diez-Luckie has done a fabulous job with the front material, clearly explaining what the book has to offer each audience (children, adults, museums, and historical re-enactors).
If you like books like this, you might like
- See Inside Ancient Rome, an Usborne lift-the-flap book by Katie Daynes
- Elizabeth I, the People’s Queen: Her Life and Times in 21 Activities by Kerrie Logan Hollihan
- Revolutionary War (Battle Box series) by Brown Reference Group
Do you have favorite books that bring learning to life for kids? We’d love to hear about them.
