Famous Figures of Ancient Times: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble

By: Cathy Diez-Luckie 
Publisher: Figures in Motion 
Publication Date: April 2009 
ISBN: 978-0-9818566-0-5 
Reviewed by: Pamela Victor 
Review Date: July 2009 

Parents and teachers, want to get your children interested in learning about ancient civilizations? Kids, want to have some fun? Everybody will get their way with Famous Figures of Ancient Times, a do-it-yourself paper figure collection featuring prominent personages from days of lore.

Kids ages 6 – 12 years old might enjoy cutting out the pieces of each figure, and they can choose between the pre-colored figures or ones they can color in themselves. Required materials include 1/8” round hole punch and mini brads or brass fasteners for attaching the parts together. As these figures are not perforated, there is quite a bit of cutting necessary, and adult assistance may be requested for some of the work. The real fun begins once the pieces are put together, and kids can use their imagination to play with historical figures like Khufu, pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty in Egypt or Qin Shi Huangdi, the first Chinese emperor. Brief biographical notes are included to provide a jumpstart to fuel children’s fantastical play, and hopefully motivate them to research further about some of these important historical figures. How cool would it be to have your child ask you, “Hey Mom, can you help me find out more about Alexander the Great?”

Granted, not every kid is going to become as enthused as one might hope over these paper figures. In a world of 3D this and virtual that, historical paper figures might find it hard to compete. But there is something about the wholesomeness of Famous Figures from Ancient Times that makes adults wish for children to enjoy the simple pleasures that can be found with some brightly colored paper and their imagination.

Other figures in this collection include Moses, Nebuchadnezzar II (ruler of Babylon), Cyrus the Great (founder of the Persian Empire), the Greek philosopher Aristotle, Julius Caesar and many more. If you enjoy this book, you may want to explore the other titles in the publisher’s “Famous Figures” series that highlight Medieval times, the Renaissance, U.S. history and the Bible, which will also be illustrated by Cathy Diez-Luckie.

Quill says: Ancient times will live again with this book!