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, RICopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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