Gr 4-6-Each of these books begins with an introduction, followed by four chapters organized according to historical period. Sections open with a very limited look at the time. Fictionalized passages place readers in historical scenarios that describe the context in which each hands-on project might have been used or seen, followed by lists of supplies and instructions on how to make the item. Many of the supplies can typically be found in the home; others, such as potter's clay and bamboo cooking skewers, will need to be purchased. Purposeful illustrations range from maps to color paintings, drawings, and photographs. Each title concludes with a metric conversion chart, notes about the authors, and lists of additional resources with suggested Web sites. The nine projects in China include a bellows, a farmer's home, and a bird of joy kite. There are a few confusing directions. In the farmhouse project, the home's thatched roof calls for bundled leaves, but the artwork shows what appear to be pine needles. The instructions for making a tassel for the bottom of a paper lantern are also unclear. Directions for creating Minoan bull-dancer paintings, Mycenaean writing, and black-figure pottery are among the 10 projects in Greece. The directions and illustrations are much clearer here. Projects in both volumes would be useful as supplementary learning experiences for units on ancient cultures. Craft-loving children will find many ideas here.-Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.