The new National Geographic Treasury of Egyptian Mythology is a stunning tableau of Egyptian myths, including those of pharaohs, queens, the boisterous Sun God Ra, and legendary creatures like the Sphinx. The lyrical storytelling of award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli dramatizes the timeless tales of ancient Egypt in the year when Angelina Jolie will make Cleopatra a multimedia star. And just like the popular National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology , the stories in this book will be beautifully illustrated to bring ancient characters vividly to life. The stories are embellished with sidebars that provide historical, cultural, and geographic context and a mapping feature that adds to the fun and fascination. Resource notes and ample back matter direct readers to discover more about ancient Egypt. With its attractive design and beautiful narrative, this accessible treasury stands out from all other mythology titles in the marketplace. Accomplished children’s author Napoli has her finger on the pulse of what young people want to read, and Egypt, with its mummies, pharaohs, and pyramids, is a perennial favorite. Yet Egyptian mythology remains somewhat ignored, making the content of this book, while familiar, feel quite fresh. It begins with a brief introduction to the genesis of Egyptian culture and a primer on its glyphs and naming conventions. Creation stories and enmeshed tales of a panoply of gods are told in a highly stylized way. (An illustrated cast of characters in the back matter clarifies the confusing litany of deities.) Balit’s Egyptian-styled illustrations are spectacular and given a proper sandstone-and-tile border. Egyptian mythology is not nearly as common as its Greek and Roman counterparts, but is every bit as engaging, lyrical, and reflective of the cultural beliefs of the civilization in which it finds its origins. This hefty compendium should offer something new for the most ardent mythology fans. Grades 5-8. --Erin Anderson Named a 2014 Notable Children's Book by the Association for Library Service to Children "Sumptuous of format, magisterial of content, stimulating for heart and mind both." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review "Mythological beings emerge as fully formed characters through equally powerful storytelling and images." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "In this exemplary book of folklore, Napoli introduces young readers to Egyptian mythology with vivid language and illustration and anchors the tales in intriging and research-supported interpretation." --Association for Library Service to Children "Resplendent illustrations heighten reader interest in the Egyptian mythological creation stories contained in this oversized anthology." --Library Media Connection DONNA JO NAPOLI is professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College, mother of five, grandmother of five, and the author of more than 80 books for children and young adults. While her undergraduate major was mathematics and her graduate work was in linguistics, she has a profound love of mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. CHRISTINA BALIT is a graduate of the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. An award-winning dramatist and illustrator, Christina has painted more than 20 children's books, including Blodin and the Beast by Michael Morpurgo, Zoo in the Sky, The Planet Gods, The Lion Bible, National Geographic's Treasury of Greek Mythology, and National Geographic's Treasury Egyptian Mythology. Her author titles include Escape From Pompeii, Atlantis, The Legend of the Lost City, and An Arabian Home. Her plays include Woman With Upturned Skirt, The Sentence, and Needle (winner of the Brave New Role award). Used Book in Good Condition