Previously published in the Good Times Travel Agency series. Via magical guidebooks, twins Josh and Emma and little sister Libby travel back through time to the Viking Age and the Han Dynasty. They get a tour of various aspects of life (and encounter mild dangers) in these civilizations before safely making it home. Presented in graphic-novel format, the stories and images are appealing, although the factual information running across the bottom of each page distracts from the time-travel narratives. Reading list, websites. Ind.

In this nonfiction/fiction hybrid graphic novel, the three Binkerton siblings are accidentally sent back in time to the Han dynasty of ancient China by Mr. Pettigrew, owner of the Good Times Travel Agency.The older two, fraternal twins, just want to get home as soon as possible, but when their little sister disappears, they begin a journey from the countryside to Chang'an, the capital city, to search for her. Luckily, they have with them Julian T. Pettigrew's Personal Guide to Ancient China, a book within a book that's excerpted in panels at the bottom of most pages, offering informational text while the kids' adventures occupy the upper portions. The entire enterprise is lighthearted, with slapstick comedy and tongue-in cheek advice. The guidebook covers broad aspects of China's history and culture, such as farming, family life, and philosophy, in a few paragraphs each while the madcap plot brings the children into direct contact with the topics discussed in the guide. (As the twins dash through the palace throne room to grab their sister, the guidebook reads, "Hoping to meet the emperor? Forget it!") Illustrations are appropriately humorous, with a tendency toward caricature, but suit the adventure well. Identified as "barbarians" by the Chinese people they meet, the Binkertons have brown hair and light skin.Riding the recent wave of interest in graphic nonfiction, this is a fine basic overview of ancient Chinese history and culture for readers who prefer highly illustrated learning. (Graphic novel/nonfiction. 8-12)

Gr 3-7 Bailey and Slavin's visually engaging book strikes the right balance between the trials of the time-warped Binkerton siblings and fun historical facts. Each page is divided into two sections. At the top, the illustrated adventures of the three Binkertons prevail. Twins Emma and Josh fumble their way through the daily duties of the working class, while young Libby entertains the elite. Along the bottom, readers find pages of the guidebook the twins use to navigate society. As Bailey points out, the Chinese empire was "the longest continuous empire in world history," lasting two millennia. With such a massive time frame, it is tempting to think that the representations of this ancient culture lack specificity. The opening gambitLibby's desire for fried noodlesrisks conflating "Ancient Chinese" with "Chinese" or even "North American Chinese." But Bailey tracks historical change, such as the evolution of the Great Wall. Bailey also concertedly challenges Eurocentric narratives of civilization. The Binkertons are constantly confronted with the fact that they are seen as "barbarians." Despite their protests to the contrary, the book reveals how the printing press, paper, and gunpowder were all invented by the ancient Chinese. After the Binkertons arrive safely in the present day, the afterword provides more historical context, maps, and a list of resources. VERDICT This action-packed illustrated adventure will teach and delight a wide range of readers about ancient China. Katherine Magyarody, Texas A&M University, College Station