Book Review Reboot: Timekeeping

Timekeeping
Linda Formichelli & W. Eric Martin


Do you ever find yourself running out of time? Who was it that set the standard for time anyway? The Egyptians were the first to use calendars around 4000 BCE. They monitored three seasons (flood, seed, and harvest) and they lasted four lunar months. The moons cycle was either 28 or 29 days. There were many other cultures that created and utilized calendars, such as the Muslims and Hebrews. But, ultimately it was the Egyptians who explained the origin of the five epagomenal days. Once the calendar was established, it was the Babylonians who came up with minutes, by using the movement of stars to divide day and night into twelve equal parts. The Babylonians had already made great advances in arithmetic, so it was logical for them to divide each hour into sixty pieces (minutes) and then each of those pieces into smaller parts (seconds). It's no surprise that we now keep time, save time, lose time, buy time and make time when we are running late.

This timekeeping guide takes readers back to the beginning. Fun facts and timekeeping historical time lines can be found here. Readers will also find lots of activities for making their own candle clock, incense clock, hand sundial and even finding time in the the stars. There is a lot of fun information. Teachers and parents will love making this guide a part of their library.

BIBLIO:2012, Nomad Press, Ages 9 to 12, $15.95.
REVIEWER:Kristi Bernard
FORMAT: Middle Grade
ISBN: 9781609300330

Courtesy CLCD.com