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Magical History Tour #1
The Great Pyramid
New multi-volume series both fun and educational, in slim pocket sized hardcovers!
Current day kids Annie and Nico travel back to--ancient Egypt. That's about 4,500 years ago, when the world's largest pyramid was built, The Great Pyramid of Giza. It's also called the Pyramid of Cheops because it was built for the Pharaoh Cheops, who wanted to be buried in it when he died. That's right--pyramids are giant tombs! It was the first of seven buildings known as The Seven Ancient Wonders of the World--and it's the only one still standing! But it still has plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered ...
Current day kids Annie and Nico travel back to--ancient Egypt. That's about 4,500 years ago, when the world's largest pyramid was built, The Great Pyramid of Giza. It's also called the Pyramid of Cheops because it was built for the Pharaoh Cheops, who wanted to be buried in it when he died. That's right--pyramids are giant tombs! It was the first of seven buildings known as The Seven Ancient Wonders of the World--and it's the only one still standing! But it still has plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered ...
48 pages, Hardcover
Published January 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2021
An educational comic for kids about the Great Pyramid. As a kid, I would have ate this up. There's lots of interesting tidbits about how the ancient Egyptians built the only of the Seven Wonders of the World that's still standing.
October 22, 2020
This seems to be Papercutz splitting one long-standing French comic book franchise into two for the English-speaking market. So books about single people (Einstein, in the English book #1, Louis XIV eventually, Gandhi eventually (and controversially), etc) seem to get split away from books about events and things (the Berlin Wall, and the subject of this volume). All of which is quite redundant when you see the merits of this book and realise it doesn't matter a flying Egyptian fig where it came from. This is a perfect book about the Great Pyramid, and all we know and don't know about it. Being a French book it's got Napoleon helping inspire Egyptomania, but being global it's got the Rosetta Stone, and while the Sphinx is almost ignored we learn just enough about the history of pyramids, how it might have been made, what all the chambers and galleries might have been like, and some facts to surprise us all. All we know of Khufu/Cheops' fizzog is a statue – three inches high. The sides, all of obvious great length, are identical to the scale of eight inches. Oh, and the Sphinx, the map of the Gizan plateau shows us, is not connected to this pyramid as regularly thought, but the next one down, Cheops' son's.
Yes, there is an awkwardness to be had here in the framing of the book, in a modern day swat girl telling her younger brother all the facts, and it might be said this is a book that swims in the trivial detail without giving the full picture, and one that thrusts detail at us with every panel meaning we don't remember enough of the basics, but I still really liked this. The intrigue, the engineering chutzpah the ancients showed, the more recent problems with damage, graffiti and Cairo's encroachment – everything is here in one manner or another. Meaning this seemingly simple comic has so many hooks in the pond, and you can guarantee one of them will land the fish of a permanently-intrigued young student. Four and a half stars.
Oh, but just to confuse things – the Einstein book from these creators has already been out (ISBN 9791032805534) – and yet we're told it's now coming out under this banner too. I'll need a guide to the history of all these books soon, and no mistake.
Yes, there is an awkwardness to be had here in the framing of the book, in a modern day swat girl telling her younger brother all the facts, and it might be said this is a book that swims in the trivial detail without giving the full picture, and one that thrusts detail at us with every panel meaning we don't remember enough of the basics, but I still really liked this. The intrigue, the engineering chutzpah the ancients showed, the more recent problems with damage, graffiti and Cairo's encroachment – everything is here in one manner or another. Meaning this seemingly simple comic has so many hooks in the pond, and you can guarantee one of them will land the fish of a permanently-intrigued young student. Four and a half stars.
Oh, but just to confuse things – the Einstein book from these creators has already been out (ISBN 9791032805534) – and yet we're told it's now coming out under this banner too. I'll need a guide to the history of all these books soon, and no mistake.
January 26, 2021
My biggest issue with this book is that my version was small (I had a reader copy). If this is the size that it will be, this will make it hard for some readers. The text is all on the page, with the medium to full detailed images. It can feel crowded. It has a "Magic Tree House non-fiction" feeling, without the actual time traveling aspect. This is facts one after another, without being put into any fictionalized element. Even though you have two narrators. Can be a little bumpy at times, but always interesting. Not for really young to sit and listen to, but could work as a one-on-one reading with ages 7 to 10 (obviously the older end can read themselves). I would even allow this up to ages 11-12 for a jumping off point, but not a complete, look at the subject of pyramids.
May 17, 2021
~Disclaimer: I received a free hardback copy of this book.~
I think the small size of this book might make it a bit difficult for a parent to read to a kid, but the small size would make it easier for a kid to read to themselves (so a toss-up on the logic there).
The book follows an older sibling telling her younger brother about The Pyramid of Cheops. The book follows a graphic novel format with speech bubbles and the like. It feels a bit dense with words for younger readers though.
It could be an interesting starting point for kids interested in the pyramids or if their school is talking about Egypt.
I think the small size of this book might make it a bit difficult for a parent to read to a kid, but the small size would make it easier for a kid to read to themselves (so a toss-up on the logic there).
The book follows an older sibling telling her younger brother about The Pyramid of Cheops. The book follows a graphic novel format with speech bubbles and the like. It feels a bit dense with words for younger readers though.
It could be an interesting starting point for kids interested in the pyramids or if their school is talking about Egypt.
February 23, 2022
Kind of reminiscent of Magic School Bus or Magic Treehouse maybe, with modern kids introducing you to historical events. I love the smaller shape of these, the connection to Nico's Lego building and the conversational tone. Erre and Savoia did a great job looking at various stories and theories about the pyramids while admitting that we're still not quite sure how they were created etc. I did find myself wishing this was slightly longer and that it included back matter like sources to learn more about the topic.
October 23, 2020
Graphic Non-Fiction
I received an electronic ARC from Papercutz.
Readers explore the great pyramid of Cheops along with book characters. The older sibling shares facts and information with her younger brother as dialogue throughout the book. Their discussion seamlessly slips the data in and further explains it to answer questions as they explore. Further informative text and timelines are shared at the end of the book.
Looking forward to the rest of this history series.
I received an electronic ARC from Papercutz.
Readers explore the great pyramid of Cheops along with book characters. The older sibling shares facts and information with her younger brother as dialogue throughout the book. Their discussion seamlessly slips the data in and further explains it to answer questions as they explore. Further informative text and timelines are shared at the end of the book.
Looking forward to the rest of this history series.
January 22, 2021
Join elementary-age Nico and Annie as they travel back in time to The Great Pyramid. What secrets will be revealed in this colorful children’s book?
The first revelation is that The Great Pyramid is the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The second is that Napoleon might have slept in it during his Battle of the Pyramids.
The book is a solid choice for elementary-age children interested in the pyramids. 3 stars.
Thanks to Papercutz for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The first revelation is that The Great Pyramid is the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The second is that Napoleon might have slept in it during his Battle of the Pyramids.
The book is a solid choice for elementary-age children interested in the pyramids. 3 stars.
Thanks to Papercutz for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2024
This series is a great way for children to get an introduction to history. Digest sized hardcover with simple appealing art, two engaging young characters who slip in the occasional joke about the subject matter (funny and relevant), and jammed full of facts and details.
Educational for all ages. For example, I did not know that the Great Pyramid was the only remaining Seven Wonders of the World.
Educational for all ages. For example, I did not know that the Great Pyramid was the only remaining Seven Wonders of the World.
June 20, 2024
135×170 ¦ collection 'antiquity' ¦ D.L. 02/2018 ¦ 5,90€ = eo
I absolutely ADORE this sort of history in short- especially when they teach AND reinforce !
The bright and emotive art makes me want to get back into "Marzi" (@25%) which it's perfect for and will probably be the only reason that I make it through the story in full since self-contemporary atrocity is the most difficult to digest (and return to) for me.
I absolutely ADORE this sort of history in short- especially when they teach AND reinforce !
The bright and emotive art makes me want to get back into "Marzi" (@25%) which it's perfect for and will probably be the only reason that I make it through the story in full since self-contemporary atrocity is the most difficult to digest (and return to) for me.
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February 1, 2021
A very cute little graphic novel about The Great Pyramid. I see good things in the future for this Magical History Tour series. I've never really gotten out of the Egypt phase I had as a child, so this was still a fun read for me. I've passed it on to a friend's kid, and I know she'll love it as well.
June 30, 2021
Short, cute story about the Great Pyramid. Join Annie and Nico as they travel back to Egypt, and take a good look at the pyramid, who it was created for, what it holds, and some of the interesting facts surrounding it. I loved the breakdown at the end of the important figures and items, as well as the other great wonders of the world.
Can't wait to share this one with my kids!
Can't wait to share this one with my kids!
April 19, 2025
Great content condensed in comic style. Borrowed Magical History Tour series from library in an attempt to interest Ms Nine with some History.
To be honest, i started reading it aloud to Ms Five but didnt realise i was silent-reading the rest, until she complained :) lots of things not known to adults like me.
To be honest, i started reading it aloud to Ms Five but didnt realise i was silent-reading the rest, until she complained :) lots of things not known to adults like me.
February 22, 2021
An adaptation of On the History Trail by Fabrice Erre. It is a resource book about pyramids written in a graphic novel - fashion as a conversation between Annie and her brother Nico. This feature makes it a compelling read for curious minds of children interested about history.
November 7, 2025
It’s perfect for young readers and curious minds alike, combining fun visuals with real historical facts. A great start to the Magical History Tour series that makes learning history both entertaining and memorable.
Want to Read
March 26, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 21, 2022
I got this by accident from the library, but I ended up LOVING it. It was completely fascinating, and I really want to read more of these now!
July 10, 2022
Short and informative
September 1, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley and Papercutz for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. What a fun book!
Filled with great facts and fun graphics. Nico and Annie discover and explore the Pyramid of Cheops. A grand adventure for kids. I enjoyed this as an adult, found it fun and entertaining. I think most kids would enjoy it as well. 4.5 stars
Filled with great facts and fun graphics. Nico and Annie discover and explore the Pyramid of Cheops. A grand adventure for kids. I enjoyed this as an adult, found it fun and entertaining. I think most kids would enjoy it as well. 4.5 stars
January 3, 2024
This book is packed full of information! I like that it is written in a graphic novel format, yet still provides abundant information. Nico begins the story building a ‘plastic brick’ (Lego) tower which is relatable to almost any child. Throughout the story he refers to his tower to compare it to the pyramid. It is easy for children to stay engaged in this story because it is told like a story with the facts imbedded, instead of providing only facts.
As an educator, I appreciate the back of the book which provides more information. Here you can find more people from that era that made history, a map of the Giza Plateau, the other six wonders of the world, a timeline, and some other books about pyramids from the same publishing company.
There are many activities you could do in the classroom that aligns with this text. You could use a KWL chart or have students write the facts as it is read. You could do a pre & post quiz about some of the facts. A more engaging and fun approach could include designing the inside of a pyramid, creating their own pharaoh hat, finding out how to write their name using hieroglyphs, participate in a virtual field trip, and so much more!
As an educator, I appreciate the back of the book which provides more information. Here you can find more people from that era that made history, a map of the Giza Plateau, the other six wonders of the world, a timeline, and some other books about pyramids from the same publishing company.
There are many activities you could do in the classroom that aligns with this text. You could use a KWL chart or have students write the facts as it is read. You could do a pre & post quiz about some of the facts. A more engaging and fun approach could include designing the inside of a pyramid, creating their own pharaoh hat, finding out how to write their name using hieroglyphs, participate in a virtual field trip, and so much more!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews