Craft Like the Ancient Egyptians

Gr 3–6—A cute way to explore a time period through its material culture—12 items per volume, such as costumes, games, and toys, are outlined in simple steps with accompanying photos. Informative sidebars offer trivia tidbits: Did you know that the second story of Tudor homes was wider than the first in order to minimize the amount of ground rent assessed? Some caveats: many of these crafts have been simplified by reducing the number and types of materials used and, in some cases, by glossing over steps. Few precise measurements are included and there are no templates, which occasionally results in a flimsy or awkward finished product. Surface prep and cleanup instructions are not included, and many projects rely heavily on artistic talent. Readers are advised to search online for images and motifs with which to decorate a Roman fresco and an Egyptian sarcophagus, scarab, or amulet.