Mummy Mazes certainly is a Monumental Book

Mummy Mazes: A Monumental Book by Elizabeth Carpenter; published by Workman Publishing, New York; 2010.

Archie Ologist needs help!  He has collected 28 oversized mazes that need to be solved.  Once each maze is worked out, an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic is uncovered; collect them all and solve the whole puzzle!  Before solving the maze on each 12” x 17-1/2” page, the professor has important background facts to read.  Each page can be colored and torn out to hang as posters.  Solving all of the puzzles is only half the fun.  When the final message from the mummy is decoded, readers will have learned about ancient Egypt.

Combining a history lesson with enormous mazes is a fun way to support what children are learning in school.  In fact, this book supplements lessons on ancient Egypt by reinforcing information in an entertaining format.  Once complete, each page can be removed from the book and hung on the wall as reference.  Teachers and homeschoolers will appreciate this aspect of the book.  Parents will also want to have a copy at home to reinforce lessons from school in an entertaining format.

This is not just a coloring book or a simple book of puzzles.  The mazes are challenging and children will need to use their best problem-solving skills to work through the book.  But do not fear—if a puzzle is too hard, answers are tucked in the back of the book!  Additionally, following the story of Professor Archie Ologist will engage readers; the tale is as entertaining as it is educational.  For entertainment with an educational twist, this book is the complete package that will engage readers and problem-solvers for a long time!

Obviously, this is probably not a library book.  But as a librarian, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, and caregivers.  It would make a terrific gift.  It would even be a great present for grandparents to give and work on with their grandkids.  If I had a copy in the library, I think I would laminate the pages to use in a learning center.  Some libraries have games that are for in-library use only.  The laminated copies of Mummy Mazes would be a terrific addition to that area.  Laminated, they could be wiped clean and used again by the next archeologist in training!

(Note: A free copy of this book was provided by the publisher for me to review for Stories for Children Magazine. I include the review here, with some additional thoughts.  Please note that all books I review for Stories for Children Magazine are donated to a local tutoring program for homeless and marginalized families.)

DC Super Heroes unite! Matthew Reinhart strikes again

DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book by Matthew Reinhart; published by Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2010.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  Expected release: October 2010.

In the hands of paper engineering marvel Matthew Reinhart, the “super” in these superheroes is revealed in glorious 3-D splendor.  I received a blad (book layout and design) from the publisher, so I only have a single pop-up page to judge.  Well, that’s not quite accurate.  That single page includes 4 mini pages (2 on each side) with such imaginative detail I was floored.  When I first opened the blad, Batman was flying out of Gotham City with determination.  Then I peeked at the mechanical pages on the left and saw a replica of the Batcave and the Batmobile.  To the right, I found Robin and Batgirl in battle poses.  But what blew me away was Joker’s face–he was laughing at me as I opened his demonic page.  Literally laughing, mouth opening and closing with evil glee.  A little terrifying.  A lot impressive.  Priceless.

Oh, I read the story too.  Typical DC Super Hero story and back story.  Seriously, you can get that in a comic book.  You’re going to want this for Reinhart’s art.  And here is where I have a problem with the publisher’s promotion of this book.  The back cover states “For ages 3 and up.”  No way.  Nope.  Just because it’s a pop-up book does not mean it’s for preschoolers.  The storyline alone is for like third grade and up.  It’s more like middle school and up who will get the most from this piece.  So, I definitely would shelve this one with the graphic novels, either for middle schoolers or in young adult.  More likely, I would add it to “must-read” lists for comic book readers, Super Hero fanatics, and anyone who appreciates the intricacies of paper engineering.

Final details about the project can be found at the publisher’s website: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316019989.htm.  According to their site:

Critically acclaimed pop-up engineer Matthew Reinhart celebrates the history, heroes, and villains of the DC Universe in this ultimate 3-D masterpiece! Bursting with over 25 impressive pop-ups, this deluxe format features a variety of unique novelty elements-including a light-up Bat-Signal, a cosmic Justice League of America battle scene, a twirling Lasso of Truth, and a transparent Invisible Jet!

Starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and many more favorite DC characters, this momentous pop-up exploration releases just in time for DC Comics’ 75th anniversary. With vibrant illustrations, exciting facts, and an eye-catching design, this is an absolute must-have for DC Super Hero fans of all ages!’

Whoa!  I can’t wait to see the twirling Lasso of Truth!  Wonder Woman is the bomb!  Wish they’d included that page in the blad….  I guess that’s the point: Leave ‘em wanting more!  I’ll be checking this one out!

America, the Beautiful, in glorious 3-D

America the Beautiful by Robert Sabuda; published by Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, New York; 2004.

Awesome pop-up figures illustrate the familiar lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”  Each pop up figure is a masterful reproduction of landmarks in the United States selected to magnify the meaning of the lyrics (and the name of the landmark is printed on every page).  All of the popups are created in white paper and the background page color varies to emphasize the art.  Amazingly, a miniature pop up book on the last page illustrates the other verses of the song.

This book would be a great display item in a public library during July and November (election time) or supporting elementary school curriculum on the United States.