
Reach for this book when your child asks 'how did that get here?' after a museum visit or shows a budding interest in the secrets of the past. It is an ideal choice for nurturing a sense of wonder about the interconnectedness of human history and the hard work required to preserve our world's treasures. The story follows the three-thousand-year journey of Pharaoh Hatshepsut's sphinx, moving from its royal origins in ancient Egypt through its burial, discovery by archaeologists, and eventual restoration in a modern museum. It highlights themes of perseverance and the collaborative effort of scientists, historians, and curators. Parents will appreciate how it introduces complex concepts like archaeology and restoration through a playful, cumulative narrative style that is perfectly suited for children aged 6 to 10.
The book deals with the historical reality of a pharaoh's legacy being intentionally erased by a successor (damnatio memoriae), which is handled as a factual historical event rather than a personal tragedy. The approach is secular and historical.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 7 or 8-year-old 'builder' or 'investigator' who loves knowing how things work. It is perfect for a child who enjoys non-fiction that feels like an adventure, or a student preparing for a museum field trip who needs to see the human faces behind the exhibits.
The book is excellent for a cold read, but parents might want to look at the map at the beginning to help the child visualize the distance between Egypt and New York. A child asking, 'Did people just find this on the ground?' or expressing frustration that something broken cannot be fixed.
Younger children (6-7) will delight in the repetitive rhythm of the text and the vibrant, detailed illustrations. Older children (9-10) will pick up on the specific roles of the specialists involved, such as the epigrapher and the conservator.
Unlike many Egyptology books that focus solely on mummies or myths, this one focuses on the 'biography' of an object and the labor of the museum professionals who protect history.
The book utilizes a 'House That Jack Built' cumulative storytelling structure to trace the provenance of the sphinx of Hatshepsut. It begins with the sphinx's creation by royal sculptors, its placement in a grand temple, its intentional destruction and burial by a successor, and its eventual excavation by modern archaeologists. The narrative concludes with the meticulous process of shipping and restoring the statue for display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.