Oh, those mysterious ancient Egyptians! Rising out of the mists of prehistory, leaving rich troves of gold, distinctively styled art, memorable heroes and villains, an exotic set of gods and myths—not to mention a unique array of the most massive funerary monuments ever—they have for decades furnished an alluring gateway to the study of human culture. Rare is the elementary curriculum, at least in this country, that doesn’t feature an “Egypt” unit or two, and equally rare is the library that has enough resources on the topic when those units roll around. Fortunately, like the mighty Nile River, many authors, artists, and their publishers have risen in regular cycles to deposit fresh surveys and interpretations of Egypt’s civilization and heritage to nourish all of this enquiry. Below is a selection of above-average recent arrivals, enriched with occasional classics and recommended for young readers who wish to study, to understand, or even just to pay a brief and entertaining visit to the land of the sphinxes and the pharaohs, of Moses and Cleopatra, of hieroglyphics, papyrus, the pyramids, and so much more.

JUST THE FACTS

ADAMS, Simon. Ancient Egypt. (Kingfisher Voyages Series). Kingfisher. 2006. spiral $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7534-6027-6. Gr 4-6–Featuring sectional tabs, a covered spiral binding, plastic overlays, and a colorful mix of photos and illustrations, this tour of the Nile, guided by an archaeologist, presents authoritative, basic information about ancient Egyptian society, art, history, mummies, monuments, and more in an unusually appealing format. ALIKI. Mummies Made in Egypt. illus. by author. HarperTrophy. 1985. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-446011-8. Gr 2-3–Still the most popular primary-level introduction to ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, the gods, and the process of mummy making, this collection mainstay scores high marks for visual appeal as it presents basic facts in equally lucid text and pictures. FISHER, Leonard Everett. The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. illus. by author. Holiday House. 1997. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1286-0; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1508-3. Gr 1-3–The best basic introduction to the major members of the Egyptian pantheon, this gallery pairs briefly told tales and descriptions with magnificent painted portraits of 13 gods and goddesses. Enhanced by a map and a family tree, it makes a fine starting point for any budding Egyptologist. GIBLIN, James Cross. Secrets of the Sphinx. illus by Bagram Ibatoulline. Scholastic. 2004. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-59009-847-2. Gr 4-6–In a uniquely detailed study for younger audiences of ancient Egypt’s most renowned single monument, Giblin explores the Sphinx’s place in history and legend, as well as its construction and the current hazards to its survival. Ibatoulline’s strong, exactly detailed paintings capture its mystery and monumental presence. HARRIS, Geraldine. Ancient Egypt. rev. ed. (Cultural Atlas for Young People Series). Chelsea House. 2007. Tr $35. ISBN 978-0-8160-6823-4. Gr 5-7-The illustrations more than make up for a utilitarian text in this historical atlas. The first part is a survey of events, from beginnings to the coming of the Romans; the second takes a journey up the Nile, providing maps, photos, diagrams, and notes that delve into the culture and distinctive nature of each major region or site. Serious students will find this an invaluable visual resource. HART, George. Ancient Egypt. (DK Eyewitness Bks.). DK. 2000. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7894-5784-4. Gr 3-5-No subject collection intended to serve visual learners and reluctant readers can be complete without an “Eyewitness” style volume or two. For spectacular photos and reasonably detailed, if piecemeal, explanatory texts, pair this one with James Putnam’s Pyramid and Mummy (both DK, 2004). HAWASS, Zahi A. Tutankhamen: The Mystery of the Boy King. National Geographic. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-8354-6; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-0-7922-8355-3. Gr 4-6-Though Irene Swinburne’s long-out-of-print Behind the Sealed Door (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977), with its Mylar overlays, is still the most riveting introduction to King Tut, this study tops its towering heap of successors. Written by a notable Egyptian archaeologist, it provides an up-to-date picture of the young Pharaoh’s life and times, considerably livened both by personal comments and by a host of striking photographs. NARDO, Don. Arts, Leisure and Sport in Ancient Egypt. Gale/Lucent. 2003. PLB $28.70. ISBN 978-1-59018-706-7. Gr 4-6-Drawing extensively from art and archaeological findings, Nardo describes a huge range of occupations, from jewelry and mummy making to hunting, writing, and wrestling. Profusely illustrated with photos and images of artifacts, this will be an important source for any student of daily life along the Nile long ago. PEMBERTON, Delia. Egyptian Mummies: People from the Past. Harcourt. 2001. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-15-202600-4. Gr 4-7-Selecting seven examples from the British Museum collections, Egyptologist Pemberton presents a lively explanation of the many and often surprising things that the mummified dead can still tell about how they lived and what their world was like. Illustrated with an array of revealing photos. PERL, Lila. The Ancient Egyptians. (People of the Ancient World Series). Watts. 2004. PLB $30.50. ISBN 978-0-531-12345-4; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-531-16738-0. Gr 3-6-An unusual angle gives this book added value for any study of ancient Egyptian society. Instead of a high-spots historical narrative, Perl profiles specific occupations, from pharaoh to farmer, warrior to mummifier. The insight that this cross-sectional approach affords is much enhanced by the generous array of fact boxes, photos, and art. RUBALCABA, Jill. Ancient Egypt: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Egypt’s Past. (National Geographic Investigates Series). National Geographic. 2007. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-7784-2; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-0-7922-7857-3. Gr 4-6-A handsomely packaged account of archaeology past and present in Egypt, this book includes the stories of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and many more recent finds. Required reading for budding archaeologists and historians, with plenty of enticing photos to catch casual browsers.

MAINLY FACT, SOME FANCY

BOWER, Tamara. How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. 2005. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-689-84434-8. Gr 3-5-This entertaining tale tells of two warriors who battle one another to a draw, fall in love, and go off together to conquer India. Retold by a trained museum illustrator, the story is well endowed both with cultural information-including a partial running translation in hieroglyphics and detailed but readable notes on ancient Egyptian writing and the tale’s historical basis-and illustrations that accurately capture a period style. BOWER, Tamara. The Shipwrecked Sailor: An Egyptian Tale with Hieroglyphs. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. 2000. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-689-83046-4. Gr 3-5-A stranded sailor encounters a huge talking serpent with scales of gold and lapis lazuli. Illustrated with scenes done in the style of New Kingdom temple and tomb murals, this magical 4000-year-old tale not only gets a lively retelling in English, but also (at least the high spots) in transliterated hieroglyphics-capped by authoritative notes on the original’s sources and symbols. COLE, Joanna. Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Ancient Egypt. illus. by Bruce Degen. Scholastic. 2001. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-590-44680-8; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-590-44681-5. Gr 3-4-The charismatic teacher takes charge when her tour group finds itself on an unexpected trip into the distant past. They, and millions of “Magic School Bus” fans, are in for fact-filled, immersive experiences in farming, pyramid building, mummy preparation, and other facets of life in Egypt, both ancient and modern. GERAS, Adèle. Cleopatra. illus. by M.P. Robertson. Kingfisher. 2007. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-753-46025-2. Gr 3-5-Like Dugald Steer’s Egyptology (see below), sumptuous packaging will draw readers into an entertaining mix of fact and fiction. Along with chatty comments about court life in Alexandria, a 10-year-old noble diarist follows Cleopatra’s tumultuous career. Capped by explorations of Egyptian society in general-and illustrated with paintings and photos of scenes and artifacts-this title introduces one of history’s great heroines. KENNETT, David. Pharaoh: Life and Afterlife of a God. illus. by author. Walker. Apr. 2008. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-9567-0; RTE $19.85. ISBN 978-0-8027-9568-7. Gr 3-5-Enhanced by hundreds of illustrations, large and small, that expertly capture both the general look and the ageless monumentality of Egyptian art, this account of one pharaoh’s death and burial, and then the long reign of his successor Ramesses II, makes terrific enrichment reading. MACAULAY, David. Pyramid. illus. by author. Houghton. 1975. Tr $19. ISBN 978-0-395-21407-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-395-32121-8. Gr 4-6-Still unexcelled for its lucid explanations of technical detail, not to mention the exquisitely exact draftsmanship of the illustrations, this study of the building of a fictional pyramid will give serious students of these durable monuments (and of architecture in general) plenty of useful insight into how the real ones were constructed. MANNICHE, Lise, tr. How Djadja-em-ankh Saved the Day: A Tale from Ancient Egypt. illus by translator. HarperCollins. 1942. Tr $11.95. ISBN 978-0-690-01280-4. Gr 3-6-Published as a continuous strip, with an old tale about King Seneferu and his magician on one side and information about Egyptian life and customs, plus instructions for making papyrus and more on the other, this item is hard to find-but it makes a sensational way to kickstart a classroom unit. PLATT, Richard. Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht. illus. by David Parkins. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2756-0. Gr 3-6-Children will find an exuberantly detailed cross-section of ancient Egyptian society in this oversize, generously illustrated “diary.” Nakht, a young scribe in training, records experiences at home, in school, and on a trip down the Nile, culminating in an audience with the Pharaoh Hatshepsut–a woman, to his amazement–and a coming-of-age ceremony. Full spreads of factual commentary and a source list cap this informal but informative narrative. ROSS, Stewart. Egypt in Spectacular Cross-Section. illus. by Stephen Biesty. Scholastic Nonfiction. 2005. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-439-74537-6. Gr 3-7-A merchant and his son travel down the Nile, pausing for tours of a temple at Karnak and other popular spots, before attending a royal audience with the pharaoh. Biesty’s oversize, minutely detailed illustrations are positively packed with information about Egyptian life, art, artifacts, activities, practices, and beliefs. Perfect fare for armchair travelers, young historians, and visual learners. STEEDMAN, Scott. The Egyptian News. (History News Series). Candlewick. 2000. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-0423-3. Gr 2-4-A breezy array of short articles, supposed advertisements, and painted illustrations, this tabloid (though the “newspaper” bit is more a conceit than an actual format) introduces a huge range of topics from major historical events to common social customs. Though too quick a once-over to provide nourishing fodder for research, it’s perfectly pitched to unwary browsers and reluctant readers. STEER, Dugald A. Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris. illus by Ian Andrew, Nick Harris, & Helen Ward. Candlewick. 2004. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2638-9. Gr 4-6–Between covers awash in “gold” and “gems,” readers will find a thrilling, fictional tale of archaeological adventure amid ancient monuments–enhanced by factual asides, detachable supposed artifacts, postcard flaps, a souvenir booklet, a complete board game with pieces, and other special features. A hands-on experience tailor-made for armchair travelers. STROM, Laura Layton. The Egyptian Science Gazette. (Shockwave: Science in Practice Series). Children’s Press. 2007. PLB $25. ISBN 978-0-531-17582-8. Gr 4-5-Journalistic in style, if not actual look, this quick survey will draw readers into the techniques of archaeology with a mix of sensationalistic “news” items (“King Tut Murdered?”) and bright, well-chosen photos and other art. WINTER, Kay. Voices of Ancient Egypt. illus by Barry Moser. National Geographic. 2003. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-7560-2. Gr 4-6-In a set of free verse poems, Egyptian workers, from a scribe to a dancer, a sailor to a netter of birds, introduce themselves, describe their work, and ruminate about their places in society. All are portrayed, in Moser’s strong illustrations, absorbed in their labors. Along with being capped by a section of further information about the speakers and their world, this is a natural for participative reading.

MAINLY FANCY, SOME FACT

BUNTING, Eve. I Am the Mummy Heb-Nefert. illus by David Christiana. Harcourt. 1997. RTE $15. ISBN 978-0-15-200479-8; pap. $7. ISBN 978-0-15-202464-2. Gr 1-3-A mummy in a modern museum thinks back on her ancient life and world in this contemplative narrative. Atmospheric illustrations capture the images she recalls and the tone of her ruminations perfectly. CLEMENTS, Andrew. Temple Cat. illus. by Kate Kiesler. Clarion. 2001. pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-618-11139-8. Gr 1-3-Weary of being coddled and worshipped, a sacred cat slips away in search of freedom. Children will pore over the pictures as the graceful feline goes from high circumstances to humble, and finds a home at last. HAWES, Louise. Muti’s Necklace: The Oldest Story in the World. illus. by Rebecca Guay. Houghton. 2006. PLB $16. ISBN 978-0-618-53583-5. Gr 2-4-When young Muti’s prized necklace falls into the Nile, she defies Pharaoh himself to rescue it–and then turns down his offer of marriage. Plenty of period detail and evocative art make this tale, which is very loosely based on an ancient Egyptian one, valuable for conveying a sense of place and time. HODGES, Margaret. Moses. illus. by Barry Moser. Harcourt. 2006. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-15-200946-5. Gr 2-4-Hodges retells the Old Testament tale with a born storyteller’s fluency, focusing on Moses’s early life and reaching a climax with the parting of the Red Sea. Moser’s lapidary paintings underscore the subject’s strength of character and enhance the drama. JOHNSTON, Tony. The Mummy’s Mother. Scholastic/Blue Sky. 2003. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-439-32462-5. Gr 4-6-Children needing a break from time spent studying dusty tombs and long-dead rulers will be heartily amused by this tale of a 4010-year-old mummy who follows the robbers who stole his mother’s sarcophagus to a museum in modern New York–and, despite having no (tangible) guts or brains, engineers a daring rescue. KARR, Kathleen. Bone Dry. Hyperion. 2002. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-0776-5; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-1594-4. Gr 4-6-A fictional 19th-century phrenologist and his young apprentice set out in search of the head of Alexander the Great that, real legend has it, was buried (along with the rest of his body) somewhere in the Egyptian desert. Nonstop action, near-continual brushes with death, and occasional touches of the supernatural make this page-turner as exciting as any Indiana Jones escapade. RUBALCABA, Jill. A Place in the Sun. Clarion. 1997. Tr $15. ISBN 978-0-395-82645-4. Gr 4-6-Strong on authentic period detail, this tale of a young sculptor who faces deadly challenges thanks to his own carelessness will pull readers back to ancient Egypt and keep them turning the pages to see what happens next. RUBALCABA, Jill. The Wadjet Eye. Clarion. 2000. Tr $15. ISBN 978-0-395-68942-4; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-0-618-68927-9. Gr 5-7-In this rousingly icky adventure, two lads are attacked by sharks, participate in an embalming, witness battles in Rome’s Circus Maximus, and become spies for Cleopatra while transporting a mummy from Alexandria to ancient Spain. The nonstop adventure and graphic violence make this surefire fare for reluctant readers. SCIESZKA, Jon. Tut, Tut. illus. by Lane Smith. (The Time Warp Trio Series). Viking. 1996. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-670-84832-4. Gr 2-4-The Time Warp Trio face off against an evil priest in ancient Egypt–and, as readers of the series will expect, the stage is set for plenty of danger, laugh-out-loud tomfoolery, and light doses of historical information. WILLIAMS, Maiya. The Hour of the Cobra. Abrams/Amulet. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-5970-5; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9362-4. Gr 5-7-Four young time travelers, first introduced in The Golden Hour (Abrams, 2004), go back to the time of Cleopatra and, having changed history, are saddled with the job of repairing the damage. A quick-paced fantasy, well endowed with accurate details of daily life in ancient Alexandria. WOULD, Nick. The Scarab’s Secret. illus. by Christina Balit. Walker. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-9561-8. Gr 2-3-A scarab beetle saves a young prince from being assassinated in his own tomb. Though an original tale, the art is unusually evocative of ancient motifs and styles, and the historical afterword makes a valuable lagniappe.

---

Author Information John Peters is the Supervising Librarian of the New York Public Library’s Central Children’s Room.