The Atlas of Archaeology
by Mick Aston & Tim Taylor (Dorling Kindersley)

If you've been looking for a great introduction to the world of archaeology, DK's remarkable new Atlas of Archaeology is the one for you.    Overflowing with terrific illustrations and artifact photos, this oversized monster of a book explores everything from mummies to ancient ruins, scientists to legendary world leaders. It's so bright and beautiful, it's almost impossible to put down. And the text is very, very easy to read.    And if that's not enough, check out the kickin' "Gazetteer." What's that? It's your ticket to the whole-wide world. It's a special collection of maps that help you get a handle on just where everything happened and when. More than a thousand archaeological sites are listed in more than 20 big pages of maps. They make it easy to see who lived within a day's ride of one another, and who lived on the other side of the world. They make the geography of archaeology really come magically to life.    The Atlas of Archaeology is a remarkable book for kids and adults.--Kelly Milner Halls

Exploring World Art
by Andrea Belloli (The J. Paul Getty Museum)

Move this beautiful hardcover book to the top of your wish list. You'll never get tired of thumbing through the gorgeous pictures of art and artifacts. Reading this book is like wandering through the world's greatest museum with an expert guide whispering in your ear. Explore the ways in which art reveals daily life, beliefs, and myths. From British maps to Dutch paintings, Ottoman dishes to Javanese puppets, you'll see how much art can tell about the people that make it. You'll learn about cultures past, artistic techniques, and important works of art. Best of all, by the time you're done, you'll be the expert guide at any museum in the world. Ages 9 and up.--Elizabeth J. Himelfarb