Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb

by Tracey E. Fern, Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)

A picture book biography about Howard Carter, the co-discoverer of King Tut's tomb in 1922.

Howard Carter was obsessed with mummies. He met his first when he was a boy in England and lived near a mansion filled with Egyptian artifacts. Howard dreamed of discovering a mummy himself--especially a royal mummy in its tomb, complete with all its treasures. When he was seventeen, he took a job with the Egypt Exploration Fund and was sent to Egypt to learn about archaeology and excavation sites. And his mummy hunt was on! Howard discovered many amazing artifacts, but he searched for years before coming upon the most famous mummy of all, King Tut.

Genres: History, Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Egypt, Archaeology, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

When I started my own family, I began to write stories for children’s magazines. One day, I found myself driving to the library to help my daughter search for her own missing Nancy Drews. I suddenly remembered that long ago day when I told my father that, yes, of course I could write a book. I decided to try. I haven’t stopped since.
I now live in Newton, Massachusetts with my husband Doug, my two daughters, Samantha and Alexandra, my enormous pumpkin-colored dog, Ozzie, and my lucky black cat, Cyrus. I live only a short drive from the gentle beach I loved when I was a girl. I still love walking on that deserted stretch of land and dreaming. Now I mostly dream about the books I plan to write.

from http://www.traceyfern.com/author.html

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinated by mummies (and by all things Egyptian) since he was a little boy, Howard Carter set out to make discoveries of his own, taking a job as an artist with the Egypt Exploration Fund in 1891, when he was seventeen years old. Teaching himself everything he needed to know to become an expert excavator, he was eventually the archaeologist who uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, in 1922...

The second picture-book biography I have read from author Tracey Fern, following upon her Pippo the Fool , and the third picture-book overall, Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb presents an engaging tale of discovery and hard work. The author emphasizes throughout how much Carter had to struggle, essentially educating himself in the field, and she also delves into her subject's prickly personality, which made him unpopular, despite his fame. She discusses how the excavation of King Tut's tomb was the most thorough and scientific archaeological dig ever conducted, up to that point, which is an interesting point, highlighting the importance, not just of Carter's discovery, but of his methology. The accompanying artwork from illustrator Boris Kulikov, who worked with Fern on a number of other picture-book biographies, is appealing, making excellent use of sepia tones and light to create a sense of mystery and excitement. A brief afterword gives more information, and a list of sources is included as well.

All in all, this is a book I would recommend to young biography and history lovers, and to all children fascinated by Ancient Egypt. It could be paired very nicely with James Rumsford's Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs —another picture-book biography about a pioneering Egyptologist.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb is a biographical children's picture book written by Tracey E. Fern and illustrated by Boris Kulikov. It centers on Howard Carter, a self-taught archaeologist who discovered King Tut's tomb.

Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who became world-famous after discovering the intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, Tutankhamun in November 1922.

Fern's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Quoting from Carter's own account, Fern infuses her story with excitement. Backmatter includes an author's note and bibliography. Kulikov's exaggerated illustrations energetically capture Carter's ambition and fascination with his subject.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Howard Carter's obsession with mummies began when he was a boy in England and visited a nearby mansion filled with ancient Egyptian artifacts. Carter dreamed of discovering a mummy himself. Eventually, through dogged persistence and perseverance, Carter discovered the treasure-filled tomb of Tutankhamun.

All in all, Howard and the Mummy: Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut's Tomb is an engaging and informative true story of perseverance and discovery.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of words

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this one. Talk about determination and persistence. Readers will be inspired by the story of Howard Carter and his obsession with finding the tomb of an Egyptian ruler. Even as a young boy, Howard was intrigued with Egyptian artifacts, and he used that interest to nurture a career in archaeology. Not only did he teach himself how to speak Arabic and how to dig in a systematic method when looking for materials, but he kept busy recording and drawing his finds. Eventually, through the financial support of a wealthy British earl, Howard and his crew struck pay dirt in 1922, having located the tomb of King Tutankhamun, a pharaoh buried more than 3,300 years earlier. The tomb was filled with all sorts of treasures, all of which Howard painstakingly sketched, labeled, numbered, and catalogued. An Author's Note adds to the story, even mentioning that all of Carter's nots can be found online. The incredibly detailed illustrations rely on rich colors to tell this story while the text balances information with humor as Howard Carter is described sometimes in less than complimentary terms. Still, it is clear that the author admired him for his accomplishments even while those who worked with him might have found him too demanding, quirky, and downright rude. I enjoyed reading more about Carter since I only knew what little I knew from films and brief references to his accomplishments. The book captures quite effectively the sense of wonder Carter felt upon first gazing on those ancient treasures that somehow had not been stolen earlier.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good job of introducing Carter and the Egyptian treasure-hunting obsession that afflicted so many in that period. Fern does a nice job of including Carter's work to teach himself so much, his unstoppable determination and his unpleasant personality. Some excellent information was provided throughout the story that helps provide a clear picture of the "methods" of the time, such as the piles of rubble left behind by other excavators and the contrast to Carter's meticulous records and careful treatment, labeling and mapping of each item found. Carter's unusual move of donating this finds to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities instead of shipping it to England is also noted.

I really enjoyed Boris Kulikov's fabulous illustrations and the humorous additions to both illustrations and text. So much to examine and enjoy on each page.

Back matter includes an author's note with much additional information and selected souces.

Different, fun and intriguing.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating biography incorporates many direct quotes from Howard Carter himself in the text, although these are not cited anywhere in the book, even in the author’s note. The text uses some slang of the time like “tommyrot” and “funk/y”, although the reason for continually using the latter term is not explained. In spite of these missteps, the text is well written and paints a great picture of Carter’s journey. Ink and watercolor illustrations give readers a feel for the time period, with pale colors and fine lines, but do not feel dated. The author’s note provides a link to view the contents of King Tut’s tomb online, followed by a Selected Sources list. Overall, the book would have benefited from some further citations and explanation, but it is still an engaging picture book biography, best used in classrooms for grades 3-5.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Archaeology is not for an impatient person and this book shows the ups and downs that Howard Carter endured to have his big find. Kulikov's artwork is a good match, dusty colored and with excellent page layouts--Carter's stance with the shovel to match the ancient Egyptians standing guard at a tomb entrance; white page with Carter and Porchy in front of stone wall while on opposite page there a white square of text with another archaeologist standing behind it by a rock tomb; dark page with Carter stepping out of a square of light as the text shares his spy work. The book ends with Carter's discovery of King Tut and the author's note shares some more information.

Needs a timeline and a short glossary.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the longer than usual picture book text, the pace of the story moves along through time from Howard’s childhood dream to its realization much later in life. His perseverance over the years and eagerness to learn is evident, and the fun of his slightly quirky character comes through. The story details his attention to detail and scientific approach to excavating King Tut’s tomb that is so important in archaeology. The engaging text and illustrations are perfect for all those kids who are interested in mummies, ancient Egypt, and the science of digging up history.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Howard Carter, artist turned Egyptian archeologist, and one of the men in the group that discovered King Tut's tomb.

There are several books for kids on the discovery of King Tut's tomb, but each provides a slightly different focus. None of the others spend quite as much time on Howard Carter, and he is an interesting character. Kulikov's illustrations really make him come to life in all his peculiarities. I recommend reading this one with The Secrets of Tutankhamun by Cleveland-Peck to get a broader view.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part biography, part treasure hunt story, all excellent. I'd never heard much about Carter as a person, so I giggled a lot at how difficult he apparently was. Not a great temperament for a treasure hunter, and yet his obsessive attention to detail served him well in the end!
Great illustrations, and solid back-of-the-book material.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The brief history of Howard Carter and how hard he worked to become a famous archeologist and the long road to King Tut's tomb. Usually when I read about King Tut its more about the mummy and not much about the discoverer.

It was so inspiring reading about a guy who achieved his goals by the sheer force of will.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howard Carter’s path to Egypt and the discovery of King Tut’s tomb is interesting. Some of the text refers to his ‘funky’ attitude, how unliked he was by many, and that he complained a lot, but also describes his many contributions to the science of archeology in Egypt. Great illustrations bring the story to life.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oy. The Egyptians shown in this book are drawn smaller than the main characters, stooped over, and in some cases lined up together in a nearly-identical crowd. I get that the illustrator is referring to the style of painting and bas relief found within the tomb, but... it is not a good look. The history of Westerners searching for "treasure" that they have no historical or cultural claim to is not a nice one - Carter at least left the bulk of what he found in museums in Egypt rather than taking it home to London - and I'm disappointed to see Egyptians once again relegated to voiceless labor in this book.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read about King Tut, you read about Lord Carnarvon, (the inspiration for Downton Abbey) I have never heard of Howard Carter and well, he seems like he is the mastermind. The person who didn't get any of the credit. The organized, annoying one!

Well, written, interesting, informative!

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thorough, well-told story is one of the best picture books I've found on the subject. Interesting, informative, and a little bit humorous, it was a great supplement to our Mystery of History 'King Tutankhamen' section. Not too juvenile even for older students.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice children's picture book about Howard Carter's learning to be an archaeologist in Egypt & his efforts to find a royal mummy. Delightful illustrations by Boris Kulikov add to the story & the author's note at the end is succinct but informative. Good book for a child interested in Egyptology

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough an detailed account of Carter's search for King Tut.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique biography, the illustrations add historical flavor, the use of quotes is nice to although one use is a little awkward grammatically, but they still add lots of flavor.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry with the year-by-year accounting of futility, but very enjoyable and informative when things happen.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did get sucked into this story. My complaint is that it discussed the photography that took place while excavating but no photographs were included in the book.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like to learn and this taught me something. However, I could have done without the "funky" attitude. I think that would have better been left in the author's note and not part of the story.

[Amanda Walz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how it concentrated on Howard Carter and how he did what he did and did not dwell on the "Mummy's Curse"

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at the life of Howard Carter and his lifelong quest to find a royal mummy and tomb. Great art.

[XZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dude sleeping in a tomb is how you get cursed ._.

[Annie Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little lengthy and long-winded, but still a good book!

[F BA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really lovely retelling of the Howard Carter story with quotes directly from his journal I think

[JF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not feel like a children's book. Felt like a seventh graders 5page, double spaced, biographical report

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative biography written in a way that children could understand. Great book for students interested in Ancient Egypt. Tells the story of how Howard Carter found King Tut's tomb. (Biography)

[Beth Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Year 4 pupils did this book as module. Interesting book with good themes and very easy to write about. Great link to history also.