Books

Twelve colourful spreads take readers through the many fascinating facets of Mayan life, from ritual bloodletting to stargazing. Added impetus is given by the cartoon figure Sherlock Bones, a canine detective whose paw prints appear throughout the book, prompting kids to solve various mysteries ("Why did parents press their babies' heads between boards?") There are also some suggestions for Mayan-themed projects, including writing Mayan rulers' names in hieroglyphics.

This slim, lightweight book is perfect for sliding into a child's backpack for plane or train journeys. And if you are going elsewhere, there are lots more in this History Detective Investigates series, with other new titles out soon, including the Indus Valley and Early Islamic Civilisation.

The National Geographic Traveller magazine