Upon my first perusal of How the Sphinx Got to the Museum, I thought it would be too advanced for my six and three year old girls. But with such colorful, fun illustrations and an interesting and educational story, I figured I’d give it a go and ten readings later, well… they both loved it!
The beauty of this fact-based tale is that it is one to grow with. There is learning to be done by all ages (including mid-thirties). Beginning in ancient Egypt, the book documents the designing, sculpting, destructing, discovering, rebuilding, documenting, procuring, shipping, and displaying of a sphinx statue in amazing detail. The journey of the statue is showcased in an “I know an old lady who swallowed a fly” style; repeating each event in combination with the latest happening. This makes for great learning through repetition and is super fun for reading aloud.
The author, Jessie Hartland, has cleverly designated a specific color and font for each job title – from an agent of the Department of Antiquities to art movers- every facilitator of the great feat gets their due. It is both incredible and hilarious to hear my little girls calling out “Archaeologist” and “Pharaoh” at the appropriate time on each page. Two pages of author’s notes include additional information (facts, figures, and dates) about Hatshepsut, the Sphinx, and Eqyptology.
This book is a timeless keeper for any classroom. It even includes the catalog number of the actual, real-life statue located in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; coolest field trip ever! Or for those who read at home, what a great idea for the most monumental of all treasure hunts! I plan to read and reread this with my little ladies. Ultimately, I aim to take them to see this magnificent piece of art history, which they will know well – from its creation to its arrival at its current museum home. I plan to win some serious cool points with this one!
Jessie Hartland is a painter, designer, writer, illustrator, and a mom. Her multifaceted experience shines in the Sphinx, published by wonderfully eclectic Blue Apple Books. The book is widely available, through the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store and many other online and brick and mortar shops.
WIN
Two lucky readers will win a copy of How the Sphinx Got to the Museum!
To enter, simply check out Jessie Hartland’s website and comment here with why you’d love to read this book to your child.
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Contest ends July 24, 2011 at Midnight PST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and emailed. USA ONLY, please!
Special thanks to Blue Apple Books for providing a copy for review.
