Children's Literature

Absolutely golden. That is the quick way to describe Demi's latest biography, which features the ancient ruler known as "King Tut." Through skillful storytelling and gorgeous artwork inspired by Egyptian arts, this book presents the life of one who lay unknown for thirty-two centuries before being uncovered by British archaeologists. It begins with Tutankhamun's great-grandfather, King Thutmose IV, who had a moment of revelation in the desert and decided to worship the sun god Aten. It continues with the decision of Tutankhamun's father, King Akhenaten, to restrict others' worship to Aten. It was into this religiously contentious world that Tut was born. Demi considers Tutankhamun's life in this framework, even as she explains Egypt's complex political structure, too. It is the story of a complex, but short life; Tut died of unknown cause at the age of nineteen. It is also the story of a tremendous archaeological find. Because of the suspicious circumstances of his death and the tumultuous transfer of power that occurred in the days afterwards, King Tut's tomb was hidden. Unfound by the grave robbers that had looted many other Egyptian tombs, this "Lost Tomb" was perfectly preserved when it was "found" in 1922. This book is highly recommended for school and public libraries. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green