One might expect “Archaeology for Kids: Uncovering the Mysteries of Our Past” (Chicago Review Press, $14.95) by Richard Panchyk to have useful information: how to snap a whip, ride on the outside of a Nazi U-boat or fend off an evil priest trying to rip out your heart.
Instead it’s full of actual archeology stuff. Go figure.
Using Howard Carter’s find of King Tut’s tomb as an example, the book explains how the moment of discovery usually follows years of hard work. It then explains how archeologists go about their jobs: deciding where to dig, charting discoveries, excavating and preserving artifacts.
One segment explains the use of tree rings to date older buildings. Because most older buildings were constructed of local wood, and trees in the same area show similar growth patterns in their rings, a core sample from an old tree compared to wood from the building can place its year of construction.
This book is available in stores, including online stores such as www.bn.com.