Dramatic gray-toned artwork illustrates a tale about the construction of one of the seven wonders of the world. Ages 6-10. (Aug.)

Gr 3-6 Awe-inspiring, impressive, black and gray illustrations set the tone for this history of the building of the Great Wall of China. These large, detailed double-spreads of the building of the Wall and of the people have a rough look entirely suitable to the subject. The story is simply told and will interest children. The focus of the book is Ch'in Shih Huang Ti and the work that went on from 221 to 210 b.c. The fact that Ming emperors made improvements from the 14th to 17th Centuries is mentioned on the last page; these additions appear on a map that precedes the text. Each page is captioned in Chinese characters that are translated at the end of the book. Big Bird in China (Random, 1983) by Jon Stone gives good photographic coverage of the Wall but no history. An outstanding example of nonfiction for young children. Gerri Young, Elementary School Libraries, Fort Nelson, B.C., Canada