Croco'Nile [Turtleback]

Roy Gerrard (Author)

Book Description

Ten secret hieroglyphic messages are hidden throughout the story of Hamut's and Nekatur's adventures in ancient Egypt, and readers who send in correct translations for all ten receive a free Roy Gerrard paperback in honor of National Children's Book Week.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Gerrard's (Sir Cedric; A Pocket Full of Posies) 10th picture book is an innovative amalgam of ancient history lesson, introduction to hieroglyphics and fanciful story. Combined with the artist's intricate illustrations, at once playful and representative of the culture and artifacts of ancient Egypt, these diverse elements add up to an altogether diverting book. In breezy, rhymed verse, Gerrard tells how a brother and sister-Hamut and Nekatu-find a crocodile by the Nile. Hamut and Nekatu are possessed of great talents: he is an accomplished sculptor and she an artist whose murals bring gasps of admiration. The two draw the attention of the king and queen, as well as of villains who kidnap the children and set sail for foreign parts, where they intend to sell the children as skilled slaves. But an old pal intercedes, and "They traveled home in style,/ Though not by boat or chariot,/ but by first-class crocodile." As lagniappe, the jacket (as well as a cut-out bookmark) contains a key to decode 10 hieroglyphic messages hidden in the book's art. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-The story rambles as the doggerel ambles, but the pictures are arresting. Hamut and Nekatu, a brother and sister in ancient Egypt, befriend a baby croc. Later, they stow away on a boat that leaves them in a strange city; they discover their talents for sculpting and painting, leading both to a commission from the Pharoah and an attempted abduction into slavery. A storm thwarts the abductors, and the children's reptile companion appears to carry them back home. Fans of Gerrard's signature style will not mind this excuse for a plot, and even newcomers may be taken with these pages. The anatomical distortions are less exaggerated here, and Gerrard's gorgeous vision of an Egypt-that-never-was, touched with tender lapis blue, is breathtaking. A decorous riot of design employs Egyptian motifs and hieroglyphics (a key to 10 messages is provided), and although there are no real surprises, there's a lot of fun for the looking. Given the current Egyptomania, Croco'nile could be as popular as the Pyramids.
Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Turtleback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606211306
• ISBN-13: 978-0606211307
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,464,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventures with a crocodile friend., January 30, 2002

By 

Myron Frame (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Croco'nile (Paperback)

This is a 100% classic Roy Gerrard picture story book. The books story and unique full color picture artwork instantly carried me away to the world of ancient Egypt. The main characters, two children and their crocodile friend, kept me anticipating what would happen next with the turn of each page.
Gerrard writes his stories in a wonderful poetry form that is fun to read out loud. The only part I did not like was that this book should be read with someone and not alone because the pictures are fun to talk about and share with children.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!, September 14, 2005

By 

True Lucy Maud Montgomery Fan (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Croco'nile (Paperback)

This book by Roy Gerrard is fantastic. Definitely geared for a younger crowd, it is adorable with it's realistic Eygptian illustrations and the whole story rhymes too. Just purely enjoyable to read with your little one and the story is easy to follow. We loved the crocodile friend who helps out the 2 little Egyptian children from their predicament. Loved it.

0 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Croco'nile, November 4, 2006

By 

Phar North "Phar" (Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Croco'nile (Paperback)

I cannot rate this because it was out of stock and I never got it. I sure looks good though. I wish I had gotten it.