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Rating: 
Summary: It's alright..
Review: "Secrets in Stone" is the fascinating story of the Maya and the hieroglyphs that made up their language. Written by Laurie Coulter with illustrations by Sarah jane English, this book begins with two explorers in 1839 who first began studying the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula, and looks at the first clues that helped them unravel the mystery of the hieroglyphics. Along the way we learn about Mayan culture, their creation myth, calendar, sports, chocolate drink, and other fascinating aspects. If this book was about just the aspects of Mayan culture or about their hieroglyphics it would be first-rate, but combining the two together this well is very impressive. There are nice color photographs of ancient Mayan ruins and treasures, as well as the dozens of glyph drawings. Finally, to cap things off, there is a specially embossed GlyphMaster in the back of the book that allows you to make your own glyph rubbings, just like real archeologists. Special activities throughout the book show young readers (and interested adults) how to use the GlyphMaster to send secret messages, create signs and cards, and even host a Maya celebration. "Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs" is wonderful interactive learning and just like the ancient Mayans does not involve the use of a computer.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful book about Mayan culture and hieroglyphics
Review: "Secrets in Stone" is the fascinating story of the Maya and the hieroglyphs that made up their language. Written by Laurie Coulter with illustrations by Sarah jane English, this book begins with two explorers in 1839 who first began studying the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula, and looks at the first clues that helped them unravel the mystery of the hieroglyphics. Along the way we learn about Mayan culture, their creation myth, calendar, sports, chocolate drink, and other fascinating aspects. If this book was about just the aspects of Mayan culture or about their hieroglyphics it would be first-rate, but combining the two together this well is very impressive. There are nice color photographs of ancient Mayan ruins and treasures, as well as the dozens of glyph drawings. Finally, to cap things off, there is a specially embossed GlyphMaster in the back of the book that allows you to make your own glyph rubbings, just like real archeologists. Special activities throughout the book show young readers (and interested adults) how to use the GlyphMaster to send secret messages, create signs and cards, and even host a Maya celebration. "Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs" is wonderful interactive learning and just like the ancient Mayans does not involve the use of a computer.
Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Maya Hieroglyphics!
Review: My 5 yo daughter pulled this off the shelf of our local library and said, "I want to read about Egypt." I glanced at the book and almost put it back when I saw what the topic really was. But, then I decided, "Hey, if she thinks it looks interesting, let's read it." Surprise! My 8 yo, she, and I all loved the book! We checked it out again recently, and my older child (who is now 9) devoured it in one sitting. Learning how to read the hieroglyphs is a blast, and I loved the puzzles that the author sets for the reader. He has you find particular hieroglyphs in actual Maya inscriptions. I have seen some of the Maya ruins and loved them long before this book was published, but this book adds so much depth to the study of Maya history. Plus, the book has raised hieroglyphs on the inside covers. You can then make rubbings of the hieroglyphs to form different words. A great purchase!
Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Maya Hieroglyphics!
Review: My 5 yo daughter pulled this off the shelf of our local library and said, "I want to read about Egypt." I glanced at the book and almost put it back when I saw what the topic really was. But, then I decided, "Hey, if she thinks it looks interesting, let's read it." Surprise! My 8 yo, she, and I all loved the book! We checked it out again recently, and my older child (who is now 9) devoured it in one sitting. Learning how to read the hieroglyphs is a blast, and I loved the puzzles that the author sets for the reader. He has you find particular hieroglyphs in actual Maya inscriptions. I have seen some of the Maya ruins and loved them long before this book was published, but this book adds so much depth to the study of Maya history. Plus, the book has raised hieroglyphs on the inside covers. You can then make rubbings of the hieroglyphs to form different words. A great purchase!
Rating:
Summary: It's alright..
Review: well done, but I could have done without the part about burning blood as a sacrafice. Also the story about the vampire bat.My daughter is in third grade,I am not sure if that story would scare her, but it certainly is not necessary. Seems to me like the author added some gore just to keep older kids reading. The book is well done, I would have liked to have given it 5 stars.
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