Perfect Picture Book Friday digs deep today…into the past. Find out how one budding archaeologist followed his passion to uncover King Tut.
Title: Howard and the Mummy, Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut’s Tomb
Written by: Tracey Fern
Illustrated by: Boris Kulikov
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018
Suitable for ages: (not really 4-7) more like 6-12
Themes/topics: discovery, mummies, Egypt, perseverance
Opening:
Howard Carter adored mummies. He got to know one quite well when he was a boy in England. Howard often visited a nearby mansion that was stuffed with a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts: carved coffins, mysterious scrolls, magical statues, and – best of all – a marvelously shriveled, semi-decayed mummy.
Overview: (from barnesandnoble.com)
Howard Carter was obsessed with mummies. He met his first when he was a boy in England and lived near a mansion filled with Egyptian artifacts. Howard dreamed of discovering a mummy himself—especially a royal mummy in its tomb, complete with all its treasures. When he was seventeen, he took a job with the Egypt Exploration Fund and was sent to Egypt to learn about archaeology and excavation sites. And his mummy hunt was on! Howard discovered many amazing artifacts, but he searched for years before coming upon the most famous mummy of all, King Tut.
Activities and Resources:
American Museum of Natural History, Educator’s Guide: Mummies
The Discovery of King Tut, Teacher’s Manual
Why I like this book:
Despite the longer than usual picture book text, the pace of the story moves along through time from Howard’s childhood dream to its realization much later in life. His perseverance over the years and eagerness to learn is evident, and the fun of his slightly quirky character comes through. The story details his attention to detail and scientific approach to excavating King Tut’s tomb that is so important in archaeology. The engaging text and illustrations are perfect for all those kids who are interested in mummies, ancient Egypt, and the science of digging up history.
Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent activities and resources.
Visit the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge on Kid Lit Frenzy on Wednesdays for more great nonfiction books for kids!
Oh my, that’s a lot of text for the age it says it targeted. Having lived in Egypt, I can’t wait to read it!
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I’ve learned that some “age group” notations by publishers are more about shelving than content. So many new nonfiction titles are given 4-8 and are more like 6-10 in reality. Hope you enjoy the book!
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I got to see the King Tut exhibit in Portland, a few years back and am exciting to read this one. Thanks Beth for highlighting it.
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I’m always up for a new biography! Thanks for sharing this one.
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I have a young granddaughter who is fascinated with mummies. I would need to read this to her, but it looks great. Thanks!
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Wow! The cover is amazing! I definitely would pick it up on a display. I love biographies. I am hoping my library will be getting this one in soon! Thanks.
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