In the style of DK, the double-page spreads in the Navigators series are packed with high-gloss color photographs, digital imagery, maps, and cutaways. But readers will want to look past the glitz, as each title also offers a substantial overview of the topic, with gems of information not seen in similar books. Ancient Egypt opens with prominent pharaohs and continues with life at home, within a palace, and amidst the construction of a pyramid. Although it includes such typical subjects as religion, mummification, and tomb raiders, it also comprises female rulers, taxes, and extensive trading expeditions (which returned with giraffes, frankincense, myrrh trees, and other treasures). While fact boxes, definitions (a glossary is appended), and quotes from notable authors and texts add to the browsing appeal of both books, a concluding list of further resources helps make them a good first stop in the research process.

BOONE, Mary . The Byzantine Empire . ISBN 978-1-61228-281-7 ; 978-1-61228-356-2 . LC 2012015879. DIPRIMIO, Pete . Ancient Sparta . ISBN 978-1-61228-276-3 ; 978-1-61228-351-7 . LC 2012009410. GAGNE, Tammy . The Celts of the British Isles . ISBN 978-1-61228-283-1; 978-1-61228-358-6 . LC 2012009414. GIBSON, Karen Bush . Ancient Babylon . ISBN 978-1-61228-281-7 ; 978-1-61228-356-2 . LC 2012008636. LEAVITT, Amie Jane . Ancient Athens . ISBN 978-1-61228-275-6 ; 978-1-61228-350-0 . LC 2012008635. ORR, Tamra . Ancient Egypt . ISBN 978-1-61228-279-4; 978-1-61228-354-8 . LC 2012008638. ORR, Tamra . The Aztecs . ISBN 978-1-61228-284-8; 978-1-61228-359-3 . LC 2012009411. ROBERTS, Russell . Ancient China . ISBN 978-1-61228-277-0 ; 978-1-61228-352-4 . LC 2012008637. TRACY, Kathleen . Ancient Assyria . ISBN 978-1-61228-282-4 ; 978-1-61228-357-9 . LC 2012015878. ea vol: 48p. (Explore Ancient Worlds Series). map. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. CIP. Mitchell Lane . 2012. PLB $29.95; ebook $29.95. Gr 5-7 This mediocre series is marred by significant issues. Aztecs, Egypt , Sparta, and Babylon contain substantial fictionalization without explaining that the narratives exist only to illustrate different experiences within these civilizations. Given the target audience, such clarification is necessary. Celts focuses almost completely on the Celts across Europe instead of (as the title states) the British Isles. Much of Athens is written in second person, a style choice students are frequently told to avoid in their own writing. Many of the visual elements are grainy. Words defined in the glossaries are not bolded in the texts. Some information can be found in this set, but it's buried beneath a lot of weak editorial decisions. Recipes and crafts or activities round out the back matter.