Hot on the Trail in Ancient Egypt (Time Travel Guides, The, 1) - Softcover

Bailey, Linda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1771389850 ISBN 13: 9781771389853

Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2018

Synopsis

All twins Josh and Emma want to do is get out of the creepy Good Times Travel Agency where their little sister, Libby, has led them. But the peculiar shop owner encourages them to open one of his guidebooks first --- and they suddenly find themselves transported to ancient Egypt! They've barely had time to figure out where they are before Josh is carried away to help build a pyramid for the king. Emma and Libby search everywhere for their brother --- including a crowded market, a banquet and a temple --- until, at last, they're reunited. But after an unlucky encounter with the king's guards, they're accused of being tomb robbers! Will the children manage to finish reading the entire guidebook --- their only way back home --- before they are arrested?

In this re-issue from an award-winning and critically acclaimed series of graphic novels, Linda Bailey has crafted a fast-paced adventure story that doubles as a thoroughly researched historical overview of ancient Egypt. The unique perspective of modern children experiencing and interacting with people and events from the past brings history to life, while the factual information, presented as pages from the guidebook, fleshes the story out. Many important themes of ancient Egyptian culture and life are touched on: politics and government, philosophy, women's roles, activities of daily life and celebrations. Bill Slavin's engaging and detailed illustrations are full of physical comedy and fun. There's also a bibliography and three pages of further background about ancient Egypt.

About this title

About the Author

Linda Bailey is an award-winning author of many books for children, including Goodnight Sweet Pig, Stanley's Party, the Stevie Diamond Mysteries, and the Good Times Travel Agency series. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Bill Slavin is an award-winning children's book illustrator with over 50 books to his credit. His works include Stanley's Party and The Bear on the Bed He lives in Millbrook, Ontario.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—The Binkerton twins, Emma and Josh, have had a boring summer hanging out with their little sister, Libby, while their friends are on vacation. One day, Libby runs into the Good Time Travel Agency, owned and run by the eccentric Julian T. Pettigrew. She opens up a strange book, Julian T. Pettigrew's Personal Guide to Ancient Egypt, sending the trio back to 2500 BCE along the Nile River Valley. There they must navigate ancient Egypt, exploring markets, learning hieroglyphics, and even building the great pyramids, as they find a way home. Similar to the "Magic Tree House" series, this title centers siblings on an unexpected journey filled with danger and excitement. Most of the pages in this story are split in half; the top focuses on Emma, Josh, and Libby, while the bottom (from Julian T. Pettigrew's guide) gives detailed facts and information on ancient Egypt. This updated version of a title published in 2000 features a "further exploration" section (with recommended books, websites, and DVDs) and additional back matter material, though the narrative remains the same as in the original. Lighthearted and simply presented, this offering covers more than just the standard mummies and pyramids. The art is clean and expressive, with lots of hidden details and Easter eggs readers will sure to be scouring pages to find. VERDICT Light time-travel fare that would make a good resource for elementary papers and projects.—Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL

About this edition

• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1771389850
• ISBN 13: 9781771389853
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 56
• Illustrator: Slavin Bill