First, author Maestro puts things into perspective. Although it seems like a big deal to us, the beginning of the next millennium is insignificant compared with the overall age of the universe: "Our universe is probably at least twelve billion years old. A billion years is made up of one million millennia." This clear explanation typifies Maestro's ability to sort out complicated facts and make them understandable. Although the change to the next millennium is a selling point, most of the book is about the ways humans mark time, covering the Julian and Gregorian calendars, and touching on the Jewish, Muslim, and traditional Chinese calendars as well. The information will satisfy most report requests, as well as reference questions, such as how the days of the week got their names. Giulio Maestro's bright pictures are a mix of colored pencil, watercolor, and other media, and virtually all of them add more information with diagrams and labels. Most libraries will want at least one copy.
Susan Dove Lempke
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From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Maestro begins with a discussion of calendars: how, when, and where they originated; the different types; and how various countries, rulers, and religions influenced timekeeping. She then discusses the passage of time marked by sundials and hourglasses, provides a general description of early clocks and watches, and brings the subject up to the present with a mention of the atomic clock. The final pages address the question of when the millennium actually begins. Maestro's writing displays its usual objectiveness and clarity. Detailed illustrations of artifacts, including the earliest-known calendars carved into bone, and colorful background scenes done in pencil, colored pencils, ink, and watercolors enhance the descriptions and add immensely to the overall success of the book. The glossary and endnotes supply additional facts about expressions, the names of the days of the week, and computers and the year 2000. The only thing lacking from this otherwise all-inclusive book is a list for further reading. Be sure to purchase more than one copy of this timely volume.
Kit Vaughan, J. B. Watkins Elementary School, Midlothian, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.