Egyptian hieroglyphs have gotten far more press, but, as Coulter (co-author, To Be a Princess, p. 1355) shows, the ancient Maya carved (or in rare surviving examples, wrote) symbols that are every bit as mysterious, revealing—and useful for creating secret messages. Beginning with the 19th-century rediscovery of Maya cities and culture, Coulter traces the slow deciphering of Maya writing—without the benefit of a Rosetta Stone. Bringing readers along, she introduces each step with a storyteller’s gift, keeping it fascinating, while sacrificing none of the facts. She pauses along the way for brief disquisitions on chocolate, the ball game known as “pitz,” Maya folklore, beauty secrets, calendars, numbers, and how glyphs were combined to create names and narrative. Recognizing that the symbols are hard to draw freehand, she concludes with a simplified alphabet and mini-glossary printed with raised ink, allowing young enthusiasts to rub such messages as “I have 150 friends,” or “[My] brother/sister [is a] yellow dog.” Adding to the fun, there are party tips, ideas for projects, and games. A grand profusion of photos, drawings, and stylized new art on lushly glossy paper further brightens this lively, inventive, eye-opening introduction. (index, selected bibliography) (Nonfiction. 7-11)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-316-15883-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
Ringgold embroiders her vision of King's life and message with scenes from a dream the narrator has had: Young Martin is turned away from a white school, gets caught up in a civil rights demonstration and is jailed, and marches with his parents in front of a huge crowd, all carrying bags of ``prejudice, ignorance, hate, violence and fear, which they intended to trade for hope, freedom, peace, awareness and love.'' She notes that ``some people had bigger bags than others, but everybody had something to trade.'' Her dream ends at King's funeral, with those bags in a huge pyre. Using a limited palette of subdued colors, Ringgold gives her scenes a simple, direct, childlike look, focusing attention on eloquent faces and large, particularly expressive eyes. This is her most accessible work since Tar Beach (1991), much less moiled and private than Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky (1992). (chronology) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-517-59976-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A compendium of information and tidbits about cowboys, including full-color and black-and-white photographs and drawings. Subjects include information about gear, life on the trail, songs, slang, rodeos, cowboys in movies, and famous peacekeepers and bandits. There are also lessons for making chaps, chili, brands (with potato stamps), and a sheriff's star, as well as for throwing a lariat and braiding. A lot of fascinating information is packed into relatively few pages; the crisp layout, varied pacing, and wide range of lore should keep readers enthralled. Everything from cowboy cures to tracking, from dude ranches to hand signals, is covered briefly, and may send cowboy wannabes scurrying for more in-depth information on their favorite topics. Some of the instructions are a little hard to follow, but the three-bean vegetarian chili recipe will be easy for children to make. The ``Code of the West,'' a list of cowboy etiquette, has the potential to improve any community with its commonsense admonishments. The author, a descendent of Buffalo Bill, brings an enthusiasm to his subject that is perfectly attuned to the curiosity of young readers. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: June 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-525-65210-8
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1996
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