Softcover

ISBN 10: 0374416117 ISBN 13: 9780374416119

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 2001

A romp through ancient Egypt, with hieroglyphics, too!

Set sail for adventure with Hamut and his sister Nekatu as they stow away on a sailboat, paint a pyramid, and win the favor of a pharoah. But when conniving kidnappers threaten the pair, they discover that a crocodile in need is a friend indeed!

About the Author:

Roy Gerrard (1935-97) wrote and illustrated many books for children, including Wagons West! and Rosie and the Rustlers.

From Booklist:

Ages 5-8. Gerrard, author-illustrator of The Favershams, Sir Cedric, and Mik's Mammoth, presents a picture book set in ancient Egypt. Young Hamut and Nekatu live along the Nile, where they find a baby crocodile, befriend it, and raise it to full size. The duo leave home, and Hamut soon becomes a talented sculptor, and Nekatu paints exceptional wall paintings. When the king becomes their patron, the children become famous, but their fame attracts kidnappers, who hope to sell them into slavery. "But once again Fate intervened / Because the floods arrived / And sank the scoundrels' vessel. / But the lucky pair survived." The story rambles along in a string of rhymed couplets as the children return home for a happy ending, having been saved by their crocodile. Much better than the text are the excellent watercolor illustrations depicting scenes of ancient Egypt in a style that is recognizably Gerrard's, though inspired by art of the period. Far from looking derivative, this detailed, decorative style is pleasing and original. Within the illustrations are 10 hieroglyphic messages, with a key provided on the jacket flap. An entertaining addition to any elementary unit on ancient Egypt. Carolyn Phelan