Softcover

ISBN 10: 0064434249 ISBN 13: 9780064434249

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1995

Merit is a servant girl in the temple of cat goddesses. In a rage, Waha, the High Priest, kills a sacred car, and Merit sees him do it.But when Merit reports the evil deed to Pharaoh, Waha denies that he is guilty>

"Hear me!" says Pharaoh. "You must each take the magic spells from the Book of the Dead and travel to the Netherworld." Will Truth conquer all?

About the Author:

Deborah Nourse Lattimore has traveled all over the world as a scholar, an artist, and a writer. She loves creating picture books that take young readers on amazing journeys back through time to ancient and mysterious cultures. In Medusa, Ms. Lattimore transports readers to the mythological Greece of long ago, when gods meddled with mortals and fates would often be cursed. When not roaming the world, Ms. Lattimore lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her two children.

Deborah Nourse Lattimore has traveled all over the world as a scholar, an artist, and a writer. She loves creating picture books that take young readers on amazing journeys back through time to ancient and mysterious cultures. In Medusa, Ms. Lattimore transports readers to the mythological Greece of long ago, when gods meddled with mortals and fates would often be cursed. When not roaming the world, Ms. Lattimore lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her two children.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-5-- In clear, simple language, Lattimore tells the story of Merit, a courageous Egyptian serving girl whose sacred cat is murdered for a golden amulet by Waha, a greedy High Priest. Merit accuses Waha before Pharoah, but when he denies the crime, they are both sent on a journey to the Netherworld, where the gods will weigh their hearts and determine their fates. The journey is fraught with demons and dangers, but Merit's ability to read opens the 12 gates to the Hall of Judgment and, in the end, saves her from destruction. Although some of the details of the story are slighty confusing, there is a strong sense of drama that carries readers along and makes the conclusion just and satisfying. An afterword on Egyptian belief and customs clarifies some of the confusion; it's unfortunate the information wasn't given in an introductory note. The pages, textured with faint color, resemble papyrus, while the flat figures and stylized composition add to the authenticity. The illustrations are engrossing, filled with hidden pictures and elements of traditional Egyptian art and hieroglyphics that will bring viewers back to look again and again. A unique and interesting book to share with children, as well as excellent enrichment for the study of ancient Egypt. --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.