Gr 3-6-These books are an extraordinary combination of cultural information, craft instruction, and inspiration. Each one begins with an eight-page introduction to the culture, including subsections on daily life, beliefs, warfare, language, and art. With its map, lively writing, and colorful photos of art and artifacts, this section places the civilization in historical and geographical perspective. The crafts are all preceded by two pages of text and photos of ancient artworks relating to the project that follows, and children will glean a great deal of cultural information. Each project is described on one illustrated spread. It includes a complete materials list, numbered line drawings, and clearly written instructions. The materials are readily obtainable, and warnings are given when adult help is needed. Egyptians re-creates the pyramids with a sand clay recipe. A mummified tube-sock cat complete with amulets follows information on death and the afterlife. Mummification is further explored by making canopic jars. An ingenious headdress shows the opulence of the lives of the pharaohs, while a snake board game represents Egyptian leisure. In Romans, children learn how to make a toga, brooch, a Colosseum zoetrope, a fresco painting, and more. Youngsters who love crafts in general or these civilizations in particular, or who need to do a school project will be well served by these attractive books. Classroom and art teachers will also appreciate the ideas.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.