From Publishers Weekly
Frank (Erin's Voyage) spins a mesmerizing epic poem about the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb, weaving all of its accompanying drama and suspense into a tapestry of measured quatrains ("Three thousand years of darkness yawned/ behind that tiny flickering light--/ and Carter, staring with pupils wide,/ stood stunned before a wondrous sight"). Hooking readers quickly with an alluring glimpse of ancient grave robbers moving "with catlike stealth" in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, Frank sets the scene and then fast-forwards 30 centuries to the efforts of ambitious archeologist Howard Carter and his wealthy friend and financial backer Lord Carnarvon. The author's sophisticated blend of alliteration ("the seas of sweat his pores had spilled") and vivid imagery ("evening shed its twilight husk"; a curse "as dangerous as a sharpened sword"; an afterlife "born again from death's dark womb") conjures all the awe and excitement of Carter's prolonged search and triumphant discovery. An equally intriguing afterword tells more about Tutankhamen, as well as his legendary curse and the mysterious death of Carnarvon. Pohrt's (Having a Wonderful Time) graceful watercolors with their careful composition and muted sepia tones recall old photographs, while borders filled with hieroglyphs and Egyptian motifs underscore the exotic setting. A handsome typeface and elegant page design complete the package. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-An illustrated retelling of the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamen by Howard Carter. While the author adds nothing new to the basic facts, the book is unusual because it is written as poetry. Readers might be reminded of other verse describing real events, such as "Casey at the Bat" or "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere." The text describes the death of the boy king; the supposed plundering of the tomb; Carter's archaeological excavation; and the mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon, the sponsor of the expedition. Pohrt's informative pen-and-watercolor paintings, bathed in desert colors and reminiscent of early 20th-century illustrations, will be a real draw for some children. Many of the detailed pictures are full page; others are smaller and framed by colorful borders containing hieroglyphics, and spot-art portraits and illustrations of figurines and other objects appear throughout. While the poetry is well done, it is difficult to imagine children preferring this to the more straightforward tellings that are available such as Elaine Landau's The Curse of Tutankhamen (Millbrook, 1996). However, it would make a superb read-aloud for older students because the verse is carefully crafted.-Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
