The Unofficial Guide to the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife

'I'll level with you. I'm not quite certain why it is that we haven't seen more of Bastet in our popular culture. As a kid, I always found her the most approachable of the Egyptian gods. Nice that she finally gets her own moment in the spotlight. Now years and years ago, back when I was still working in NYPL's Central Children's Room, someone produced a really remarkable Book of the Dead encapsulation for kids. Trouble is, I can't find hide nor hair of it online at all. Clearly, then, there's been a need to try again. This version is definitely more colorful than the last one I saw, and I am okay with that! We desperately need this book on our shelves'. -- School Library Journal / Fuse 8 'Bursting with information, the book has a chatty, easy-to-read tone which is very appealing. I have taught children about the Ancient Egyptians more times than I can remember over the years and they are always fascinated by mummification. This book is the perfect accompaniment to such learning- and brilliant for those curious enough to want to find out more. One thing I really like is that the book reminds the reader that there were changes in the way things were done as the history of the Ancient Egyptians is such a long one. It focuses on the different styles of pyramids used, but teachers could easily develop this with a class to look at how sarcophagi and other elements also changed. Important events like the 'opening of the mouth' ceremony, the journey to the afterworld and the weighing of the heart are described and everything is brilliantly illustrated. Many of the pictures have additional captions- and my one criticism is that these are in tiny print, making them quite difficult to read. A helpful glossary of words and terms is included at the end. Accessible and entertaining, 'The Unofficial Guide to the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife' is an excellent addition to any collection of books on Ancient Egypt or for any history lover!' -- Through the Bookshelf 'Introduced by the regal Bastet the Cat, readers are taken on a journey through the afterlife of Ancient Egyptians, including the sacred cats! Renowned for their afterlife preparations, celebrations and value of these rituals, there is so much to respect and understand while reading. This would be a hugely engaging text for classes studying Egyptians and would likely have a waiting list to be borrowed. I loved the use of illustrations especially on the heavily decorated sarcophagi and journey to the afterworld. This culture is endlessly engrossing and I found myself completely lost in the tombs of the pharaohs and wondering just what treasures and secrets still lie below the sands of Egypt. I didn't realise that when a cat died, it's owner would shave off their eyebrows in grief. So much to learn from this book!' -- My Shelves Are Full 'The Unofficial Guide to the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife is a simple, informative, entertaining and colourful picture book, introducing readers to Ancient Egyptian beliefs regarding death and what followed in terms of rituals and observances.For a little picture book--the text and pictures are a little over 30 pages--this book manages to put across a surprising amount of information. From background on Ancient Egypt to the mummification process, amulets and symbols, beliefs about the afterlife to hieroglyphics, one gets a look into a number of aspects. I too learnt a lot that I didn't know about from the number of characters or symbols in hieroglyphics to the different coffins that mummies are placed in to information about the gods. (It was interesting to spot similarities between the goddess Bastet, and Ma Shashti who is worshiped in India also as the benefactor of children and like Bastet, is associated with a cat). Everything is put across simply and so, would be easy to understand for its intended readership. I really loved the artwork in the book. The book uses vibrant colours and attractive pictures which really stand out and combines it with small chunks of text to put across what it's saying effectively. I also liked that the author didn't gloss over the more macabre or grotesque aspects of things, whether it was Osiris having been cut into bits, or poor Bastet the cat being killed and mummified to accompany her master or the removal and preservation of entrails in the mummification process, all is told in a straightforward way (somewhat like in the Horrible Histories books)--adults will probably squirm more than children at this. This was a great deal of fun to read and I know I'd have enjoyed it a lot as a child as well. I certainly did as an adult'. -- Literary Potpourri