Lost Cities

February 1, 2020
Profiles of ancient cities from around the world, intricately illustrated, highlight their mysteries. In Laroche's latest work of nonfiction for kids, settlements "lost" to time or conquest or that have unknown histories are described, each profile hitting on "Location," "Who lived here," "Why was it lost," "How was it found," and "What's mysterious." Cities such as Babylon (in present-day Iraq), Angkor Wat (in Cambodia), and Rapa Nui (now called Easter Island) are represented in impressive detail thanks to Laroche's signature paper-relief art. Backmatter includes a timeline, placing each city in chronological order of its construction, as well as an overview of Laroche's artistic process. Young readers who are fascinated by historical mysteries may find this an interesting jumping-off point for deeper exploration of the featured settlements; none of the profiles are extensive enough to satisfy research-project requirements or the curiosity of true history nerds. Readers will encounter language that normalizes colonization: For example, much of the information listed under Laroche's "How was it found?" sections describe European "explorers" and archaeologists who "rediscovered" or "visited" settlements built by the Indigenous peoples of the various continents. Additionally, the profile on Angkor Wat sets a peculiarly exocitizing scene: "If you had lived in this city...you would have encountered bizarre creatures, such as monkey-like wild macaques, flying wingless snakes, as well as people perched on elephants or dressed in colored silk sarongs." Stunning visuals paired with some disappointing content. (Nonfiction. 5-10)

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Starred review from April 1, 2020

Gr 1-4-Laroche takes readers back to the metropolises of the ancient world, like Babylon and Machu Picchu, and details the lives of their citizens. Using simple explanations for younger readers, the text lays out where these cities were built, who lived there, and how they may have disappeared. With further mysteries and theories of these lost civilizations, this title will surely inspire young archaeologists to learn more about history and the ancient world. Laroche's art is the real star of this title. Paper, cut and layered, builds beautiful landscapes with a 3D effect. The visual precision and attention to detail will captivate readers. A short note explains how each piece was created and may inspire young artists to try it for themselves. VERDICT Immaculate art and fun facts make this a must for any classroom collection.-Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
Grades 3-6 Laroche introduces 13 lost cities around the world, including Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Babylon (Iraq), Caughnawaga (U.S.), Fatehpur Sikri (India), Mesa Verde (U.S.), Great Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), Herculaneum (Italy), Machu Picchu (Peru), and Tenochtitlan (Mexico). After a paragraph explaining what it might have been like to visit or live in each place, a Q&A section comments on its location, its residents, why it was lost, how it was found, and what remains mysterious about the site. Each broad, double-page spread is dominated by a colorful, meticulously constructed artistic recreation of the lost city. These striking recreations were first constructed with layers of painted paper to create a three-dimensional look, then photographed. The text includes interesting facts about each site, and the closing What's Mysterious section will particularly interest readers. Those who enjoyed reading about these places will be equally intrigued by the highly visual closing pages, where a time line and a global map relate the sites to each other, both historically and geographically. A striking guide to lost cities.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)