5 fabulous books about Ancient Egypt
Author Stephen Davies recommends five recently published books with an Ancient Egypt theme, beginning with one of his own.
Stephen Davies
1. Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Stephen Davies, illustrated by Núria Tamarit
Teachers and librarians often remark on the rising popularity of comics and graphic novels, and I love writing them.
Gorgeously illustrated by Núria Tamarit, this book contains six Ancient Egyptian myths in comic strip form, including a wild account of Imhotep’s magical showdown with an Assyrian sorcerer. That particular tale was only recently pieced together by Egyptologists from tiny fragments of papyrus.
I think this is what I enjoy most – seeking out mind-bogglingly ancient myths and sprinkling them with 21st century lols!
2. Libby and the Egyptian Escapade by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor
This is the fourth and final instalment in the Travelling School Mysteries series.
Libby is a brilliant lead: optimistic, curious, and full of level-headed charm. On a class trip to Egypt, all she wants is to relax in the shade with a detective novel, but instead she finds herself facing a series of mild, age-appropriate perils. Camels go missing in the desert, a snake turns up in a train carriage, and a giant boulder plummets à la Death on the Nile.
The Egyptology is handled with a very light touch and the modern Cairo setting feels bang up to date. In one scene, the class visits the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which has only recently opened in real life.
It’s perfect for lower Key Stage 2 children, especially those who enjoy light mysteries, quirky school trips, and a touch of historical adventure.
3. Hunt for the Golden Scarab by MG Leonard
When Sim Lockier discovers that his mother can open doors through time using music, he is swept into a dangerous quest to Ancient Egypt in search of a golden scarab.
Add into the mix a sinister organisation known as the Council of Keys, and the result is a classic adventure story full of chases, fights, eavesdropping, magic, and secret messages in invisible ink.
Portal stories are nothing new, but MG Leonard’s musically activated doors feel wonderfully original, and she describes them beautifully.
This is a richly imagined and cleverly constructed quest. Readers in Year 6 will enjoy its sophisticated language, tension, and high-stakes time travel.
4. Totally Chaotic History: Ancient Egypt Gets Unruly by Greg Jenner, illustrated by Rikin Parekh
If you’re a fan of Greg Jenner’s You’re Dead to Me podcast, you’ll know to expect fast-paced, funny history – and this book really delivers.
Bursting with maps, cartoons, fact files and chaotic energy (plus UPPER-CASE OUTBURSTS galore), it’s a riotous crash course in Ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The “Chaos-ometer” cleverly tracks each historical period, and Rikin Parekh’s goggle-eyed illustrations add to the mayhem.
Best of all are the scrawled notes in the margin from Egyptologist Dr Campbell Price, who pops up regularly to correct, challenge, or argue with Jenner – especially when things get a bit too unruly. One highlight: their ongoing disagreement about the purpose of mummification.
Packed with side-splitting laughs, solid research, and welcome nuance, this is a brilliant addition to any Key Stage 2 history shelf.
5. Terrible True Tales: Egyptians by Terry Deary
Originally published in 2003, this collection of four short stories has recently been refreshed for a new generation of readers, and it’s still as gruesome, gripping, and giggle-worthy as ever.
Loosely inspired by real incidents in Ancient Egyptian history, each tale is told with Terry Deary’s trademark energy and flair.
New to this edition are end-of-section notes, discussion prompts and activities to help young readers think more deeply about the history behind the fiction. A good pick for newly confident readers who like their history bold, bloody, and full of unexpected twists.
Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Stephen Davies, illustrated by Núria Tamarit, is out now.