Title: TUTANKHAMUNAuthor/Illustrator: Demi
Publication Info: Marshall Cavendish, 2009
ISBN: 9780761455585
Source: Library copy
Intended audience: ages 9 and up
Genre: nonfiction, picture book (64 pages)
Themes/topics: Egypt, mummies, world history
Opening and synopsis: ”King Thutmose IV, who ruled from 1419 to 1386 BCE, was the great-grandfather of King Tutankhamun. As a young prince, Thutmose IV had many brothers and half-brothers who wanted to seize the throne.”
Illustrated with stunning images, this book places King Tut in his cultural and religious context. Demi tells of Tut’s ancestors, his life and tomb. Tut emerged as pharaoh at an interesting time in history. Inspired by Thutmose IV’s vision, Tut’s father, Akhenaten, did away with worship of traditional Egyptian gods in favor of monotheism. When Tut came to power, political strife ensued as two regents wrestled for control. After Tut’s death, his ultimate successor tried to erase Tut’s family from history forever. But he couldn’t destroy Tut’s hidden tomb.
Why I like this book: As obsessed as my three-year-old is with mummies, we actually knew little about King Tut’s life. Although the story line is far too advanced for preschoolers, Demi’s images can be appreciated by all ages. She’s gilded many of the images, conveying the wealth of ancient Egypt and the pharaohs.
- National Geographic has a King Tut’s Treasures lesson plan for grades K-2.
- National Geographic grade 9-12 lesson plan on using technology to determine who or what killed King Tut.
- Here’s a Homeschool Teacher lesson plan, including directions for making your own mummy and coloring pages.
- Here is an art lesson on how to draw King Tut.
- Idaho Public Television has a grade 5-7 King Tut lesson plan.
- For more mummy fun, check out my previous post about mummy picture books.
Every Friday bloggers review “Perfect Picture Books.” Find a complete list of book reviews organized by topic, genre and blogger at author Susanna Leonard Hill’s site.
Kirsten W. Larson 
This looks very interesting, Kirsten, and I always love picture books that can be enjoyed by older readers. I think the picture book format makes the information so much more friendly and accessible. Thanks for sharing – we don’t have much on Egyptian history or mummies, so great addition!!!
Totally agree with Susanna – love that there are still PBs for older kids, and hope they make a come back…soon!
I will say, that I think children of all ages — even adults — love illustration. Cooper still prefers heavily illustrated PBs for older readers over leveled readers.
Yeah, he is a REAL kid!
I am happy that there are quite a few nonfiction PBs out there for older readers. I would even classify Candace Fleming’s books at PBs, but those are definitely for middle schoolers. I do think all the photos, illustrations, sidebars, etc. make it much easier to digest the information.
I think this would be a treat for my son. He is very curious about history! Great find and choice this week.
He’ll love it, Jennifer. This book has been a big hit at our house.
National Geographic has the best resources out there for kids. Egyptian history is fascinating, thanks for adding this one to the list!
I love National Geographic. Their site is amazing for so many different topics.
This looks great! My son’s class studied Egypt last year and he was fascinated. Great review.
I’m not sure how old your son is, Carrie, but this is a wonderful book for upper elementary. And I have to say as an adult, I enjoyed it too.
Nice list of resources. I’ll add this to my library list 🙂
If you can’t get this one, try another one by Demi. She’s pretty prolific.
As an archaeology/anthropology student , I immediately got excited when I saw this review. Great resources too. Thanks for adding it to the PPBF list. There aren’t enough of these types of books, imho 🙂
I’m with you Loni! Gail Gibbons did a nice one on Egyptians and mummies, but I love the specificity of this one.
Kirsten, I always loved teaching the Egyptians. Kids just love this era and this great Pharaoh. This does look like a great addition to this topic.
We’ve read quite a few mummy and egyptian books of late, and this is the best I’ve seen for older children.
I love all thing Egyptian. I’ll have to check this one out. Thanks, Kirsten.
This is a beautiful book. I think I love it more than Finley, my mummy buff.
This book is a gem Kirsten. Was looking forard to your pick and you didn’t disappointment me. I know a little about King Tut, but am anxious to get my hands on this. Glad that it is a book for older kids too. We need more. Great review and activities!
Demi has a number of other books as well on Marco Polo and many more historical figures.
I always liked learning about King Tut! You listed some great activities! 🙂
It’s an interesting period in history. I can’t believe I knew so little about it!
I think I took this one out for my eight year old grandson once he visited and thought it was very cool. 🙂 I Love your review and that you talk about the illustrations with your three year old. (something I would do :). )
thanks for sharing. 🙂
I’m glad this book was a big hit at your house too. I’ll have to look for some other books by Demi as well.
I was fasinated with Egyptian history at school and have as yet to visit that part of the world. Looks very interesting and love it tells the story of King Tut. Thanks Kirsten.
The colors of the picture really do not do the book justice. It’s a fascinating tale.