Review: Don’t Know Much About Mummies

 Don’t Know Much About Mummies by Kenneth C. Davis (HarperCollins, 2005)

Mummies: engrossing, or gross-out? Readers may react both ways in this lavishly-illustrated picture book by Ken Davis. With his trademark question-and-answer format, Davis explores the myths, facts, and mysteries of human-made mummies.

 Beginning with Egyptian mummies, Davis explains the religious reasons behind the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification, then explains in detail the process of reducing a human body to a preserved mummy that can endure for thousands of years. The process is far more complex than just wrapping a dead body in cloth, as many young readers may imagine. Rather, the body underwent a painstaking disassembly and drying procedure long before the wrappers went on. Readers will also learn about Egyptian funerals, and the rituals of paying respect to the mummified dead — not to mention the disrespect paid by tomb raiders, some of whom were the very people who helped build the tombs, and therefore knew all the secrets!

From Egypt, Davis takes the reader on a world-wide mummy tour. He includes the Chinchorro, Paracas, and Inca mummies of South America, mysterious European-type people mummified in China, charcoal-covered and jade-covered bodies also in China, bog mummies in northern Europe, frozen Inuit mummies in Greenland, the famous Iceman from Italy, and many more.

S.D. Schindler’s illustrations throughout, some cartoony and some life-like, add liveliness and interest to the text. Schindler never shies away from reality, giving before-and-after images of mummified bodies, and realistic sketches of many different mummies. He also manages to lighten the mood with illustrated mummy jokes (How do you know when a mummy is angry? She flips her lid!).

For kids who are curious about Egypt or mummies in general, Davis’ highly-accessible text and Schindler’s engaging illustrations provide a terrific way to explore the fascinating history of mummies. The book would be useful for teachers who want to prepare world history units, or homeschool parents whose kids are interested in ancient history.