THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb by Candace Fleming.  New York:  Scholastic Focus, 2021.  IBSN 978-1338596618 hc. $18.99      Gr. 5-8     J932.014 FL

Fleming guides readers through the background of royal burials in Egypt's Valley of the Kings before narrowing her focus to the sensational tale of King Tutankhamun's Tomb.  This early twentieth century archealogical dig has been documented and recounted over the years.  The curse that surrounded Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter, who headed up excavation of the tomb, has been used to fuel horror stories and investigations of the supernatural.  This retelling is factual, and includes more than 75 historical photos, as well as an extensive bibliography, source notes, and index.  However, the book reads like a novel, with personalities, intrigue, government regulations, the Egyptian climate, and the dangerous work of tomb excavation.  
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

EARTH's AQUARIUM: Discover 15 Real-life Water Worlds by Alexander Kaufman.  Illus. by Mariana Rodrigues.  New York: Magic Cat Publishing, 2021.  66p.  ISBN 978-141975289-6 hc. $24.99     Gr. 3-5     JUV NF

Tour the various ecosystems of aquatic life found around the world, such as mudflats, kelp forests, coral reefs, river estuaries, deep sea, polar ice, and more.  The geology and animal life is reviewed in each ecosystem, covering vocabulary and facts that fill a two-page index.   Readers will appreciate the color and detail shown for each plant and animal featured in this amazing, oversized, informational book.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

YOURS IN BOOKS by Julie Falatko.  Illus. by Gabriel Alborozo.  Petaluma, CA: Cameron Kids, 2021. 36p.  ISBN 978-195183620-7 hc. $17.99     PreS -Gr. 2     E PIC

In this epistolary story, Owl T. Fencepost writes letters back and forth with Bessie Squirrel, the owner of the local bookstore, and carries on correspondence aimed at finding a way for him to read quietly with a cup of tea.  Owl's book requests begin with titles aimed at isolating himself from the neighborhood, which is filled with noisy children who want him to read aloud to them.  As the youngsters slowly invade his daily life, Owl gets books about how to make cookies and crafts and tea parties.  Readers will notice that the formality of the letters becomes more friendly as Owl transforms from grumpy to caring, with the help of his local bookseller, who also enjoys a good tea party.   The illustrations add another dimension to the story with personification of the animals' body language and facial expressions that every reader can interpret.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

THE GOODY by Lauren Child. New York: Orchard Books, 2020.  32p.  ISBN 978-133878954-6 hc. $17.99     Gr. K-2    E PIC

Family dynamics are always interesting, especially the different personalities and interactions between siblings.  After eyeballing the amazingly patterned illustrations, readers will relate to Chirton, the younger brother who always ate his broccoli, washed his hands properly, and went to bed on time.  His parents rewarded his good behavior with a "Goody" badge, because his older sister Myrtle usually behaved badly.  In time, Chirton began to question, "What is so GOOD about being a Goody?"  He decided to be bad also, which upset the entire household.  In contrast, Myrtle tried to change her behavior by being good.  Because no one is good or bad all the time, they reached a balance everyone could live with.  Hint: Watch for the very important rabbit in this story.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI