Based on the latest historical research, this richly illustrated collection of poems gives readers a dynamic sense of everyday life in ancient Egypt. Each poem is in the voice of a particular worker, such as the scribe and the embalmer. Moser's vibrant watercolours portray how ancient Egypt was a multicultural mix of people.

About the Author

Kay Winters was captivated by Egypt when she visited twice as a language arts consultant in the American International Schools in Cairo and Alexandria. She rode a horse around the pyramids at dawn, sailed in a felucca on the Nile, and rode a donkey to the tombs of the kings and queens of Luxor. Kay is the author of a number of children's books. Barry Moser is an award-winning artist, illustrator, book designer, and publisher. His fine art is in such prestigious collections as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum. He has illustrated almost 200 titles for children and adults.

Reviews

Gr 4-6-Thirteen free-verse poems offer brief, first-person portraits of Egyptian laborers and artisans. Desert shades of tan and brown dominate the eloquent watercolor illustrations depicting these individuals who were the backbone of their society. Hieroglyphic titles add interest and authenticity. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Those who contributed to the way of life in the pharaohs' time proudly describe their work in the poems in Voices of Ancient Egypt by Kay Winters, illus. by Barry Moser. From the Scribe, who "unlock[s] secrets in ancient scrolls," to the Weaver, who "create[s] cloth fit for gods," and the Goldsmith, whose work "glitters almost as bright as our sun god Re," these portraits of dedicated craftsmen have resonance today, even as their words re-create a civilization of long ago. Endnotes provide additional factual details. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.