Numerous color photographs, reproductions, and maps illustrate these books. Boxes of information throughout present special aspects of each culture; one fascinating section in each of the volumes explains what life held in store for boys and girls in each society. Readers undeterred by the textbooklike appearance of the books will learn much about the various ways of life. Chronologies are included. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 5-7-Appealing introductions to four world mythologies. Each title begins with a historical look at the region where the myths originated and the people who told them. Because of this approach, Native Americans is the least successful of the set, given the wide range and variety of traditions that spread across North America. The author often states how diverse the cultures were and follows that statement with a generalization; she focuses on the past tense, giving little indication that these myths are still a part of vibrant cultures that are active today. Those flaws aside, her collection spans the continent, giving a variety of tales from different locales. Greeks, Norsemen, and Egyptians are far better in their history sections, and all four books are illustrated with full-color period, classical, and contemporary artworks of the myths and cultures from which they come. All four titles feature full-page sidebars of text from original sources, which are wonderful, but are badly placed and often interrupt the flow of the retellings. Still, students who have their interest peaked will be able to follow up and read other works. With their beautiful illustrations, high-quality production, and focus on source material, the books should whet the interest of readers so that they will seek out more mythology on their own.-Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.