The story begins on the morning of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius with the people of Pompeii busy in their daily life and oblivious of the dangers of the ‘sleeping giant’.

As the drama unfolds we learn of the eruption and the panic of the people:
“The cloud hid the sun. It was dark. Tiny hot pebbles began to fall on the people of Pompeii.”
“Some people found pillows to cover their heads. Others hid inside their houses.”

The paintings which illustrate the book include the plaster casts of the bodies of people and a dog; all of whom were asphyxiated by the fumes of the volcano and their posture at the time of death recorded for posterity.

There is no mention of the reporter Pliny the Elder who was in charge of the fleet which attempted to rescue the inhabitants. He died on land from asphyxiation in Pompeii and it was his nephew Pliny the Younger who lived to write the history having declined the invitation to accompany him.

Suitable for children developing independent reading - simple sentences.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #129858 in Books
• Published on: 1987-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Synopsis
A simple retelling of the fateful days in 79 A.D. when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and the people in the ancient town of Pompeii perished.

---

Customer Reviews

Americanised
Not impressed with this book. Very patronising. Wasn't surprised when I saw that it was part of an American reading scheme. Really!!! Will not be reading it with my class, unless I edit it alot first. I often have special needs children in my class and wouldn't dream of using its phonic recommendations to repeat the key names. Big Bird got away with patronising young children because he was good. I could only get away with this book in the classroom if I dressed as Big Bird! NOT happening!