The Tomb of the Boy King: A True Story In Verse

by John Frank, Tom Pohrt (Illustrator)

The mummy's curse?

A gold moon rose beyond the cliffs
and lured the robbers from their lair,
as sunset's last light bled upon
the sacred desert grave site where

the boy king, Tutankhamen, lay
surrounded by his treasure hoard,
protected by a curse, some say,
as dangerous as a sharpened sword.

Thus begins the strange unfolding of events encompassing one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century -- the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

The breathtaking combination of John Frank's narrative poem and Tom Pohrt's illustrations brings a new dimension of suspense and excitement to this astonishing true story.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Poetry, Egypt

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2001

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like how the story was told through a poem. The poem was long and often made me get tongue tied. I think it would have been better if the author had made it a short story rather than a poem. On the other hand, it was very informational, and I enjoyed reading about the journey to finding King Tut's tomb.

I would use this during Halloween to teach about real mummies.

[R. G. Nairam · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's all right. As far as "rhyming book about Ancient Egypt with nice pictures" go, I Am the Mummy Heb-Nefert accomplishes its purpose rather better.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love poems or collections of poems that narrate a story.
This one is about the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

[Miekka · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting way to tell the story of King Tut. The book is written as a poem. Ages 6 and up.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Tut's story set in poetry.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rhyming/poetry style of the story made it a little above my 7yo's head... But it was still a good read!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but the rhyming text seemed a little forced and awkward. Still, it was interesting to read, and the afterward filled me in nicely on the details of Tut's life. When the Egyptology unit rolls around for my students, this might be a fun text to share with them.