Ten little mummies, "bored stiff," break out of their tomb for a day of hijinks in this rambunctious counting tale set in Ancient Egypt. Bouncy rhymes filled with painful puns (the mummies are "wrapped up in themselves") tell the story: as the mummies cavort through the desert, sandstorms, chariot races, hippos, and more claim members of the group in a descending countdown that ends with one lonely mummy, who returns to the tomb to discover that her pals have already safely returned. Karas' childlike pencil-and-paint illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the energetic silliness of Yates' words. A mix of shifting perspectives shows quintessential Egyptian images, such as the Sphinx, and the mummies themselves are irresistible. With wide, expressive cartoon smiles; dot eyes;and spindly stick limbs, the playful mummies will easily pull children into their adventures. An excellent read-aloud, even for youngsters who have already mastered 1 through 10. More facts about ancient Egypt appear on the endpapers. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved.