Explore Ancient Egypt with these engaging books for kids. This list is sorted by fiction and non-fiction.
Fiction – Picture Books
The Little Hippo by Geraldine Elschner
This children’s book inspired by Egyptian art tells the story of the bond between the Egyptians and the hippopotamus who lived near the Nile River. This touching tale allows young readers to understand the importance of the hippopotamus to the ancient world.
We’re Sailing Down the Nile by Laurie Krebs and Anne Wilson
This fun book of rhymes takes readers on a true journey through ancient Egypt. Each page is filled with a different destination or information about a god or goddess. The end of the book provides even more informational notes on Egypt.
The Shipwrecked Sailor: an Egyptian Tale with Hieroglyphs by Tamara Bower
This story, based on one found on a papyrus scroll of hieroglyphs in the 19th century. Read along as a sailor is shipwrecked on a mysterious island south of Egypt. This story brings ancient Egypt to life while also teaching of the great bonds that can be made when we least expect it. It’s also a great way to introduce readers to what hieroglyphs are since it includes real phrases followed by translations.
The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo
In the first century, a Roman historian recorded the first rendition of the Egyptian Cinderella and here, Shirley Climo provides a retelling of this classic tale. Read to find out whether of not Rhodopis will find her Pharaoh.
Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile by Tomie dePaola
Bill and Pete are preparing for their class trip down the Nile, looking forward to all that their teacher, Ms. Ibis, has promised they’ll encounter. This includes the “Sacred Eye of Isis”, which Bill and Pete are most curious about. Read as Tomie introduces readers to a fun adventure while also touching on some of the things that make Ancient Egypt so memorable.
The Scarab’s Secret by Christina Balit
Khepri, a small scarab beetle finds himself face-to-face with the powerful Pharaoh of the land in this entertaining tale. Read along as the smallest of scarab’s does the grandest of things when he saves the Pharaoh’s life. The illustrations and terminology in this story capture Ancient Egypt excellently.
Secrets of a Sun King by Emma Carroll
The tomb of a past pharaoh is about to be discovered in Egypt and thirteen-year-old Lilian Kaye doesn’t want to miss out on the story. The supposedly cursed tomb will be uncovered for all to see, but when a famous Egyptologist disappears, the story is put on hold. Lil begins to think about the curse and the possibility of it being true once her own family is involved in the chaos. Read to find out how Lil is connected and her experience with ancient Egypt.
Skippyjon Jones: In Mummy Trouble by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones takes readers on a fun adventure into the underworld where mummies are known to rest. He and his doggy pals want to answer the riddle of the sphinx and enter the mummy’s tomb, will they succeed? This adventure is a fun way to introduce young readers to Egypt!
How the Sphinx Got to the Museum by Jessie Hartland
The sphinx of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut lies in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, but does anyone know how it got there? This informative read full of beautiful illustrations will bring young readers up to speed on the history of the sphinx and ancient Egypt.
Seeker of Knowledge by James Rumford
In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion vowed to be the first to read Egypt’s ancient hieroglyphs. At just eleven-years-old, his dream was to uncover the secrets of the past and he dedicated his next twenty years to do just that. This book introduces the Egyptian script and aspects of the ancient world, while providing readers with the remarkable story of the man who really did decipher the ancient language.
The 5,000 Year Old Puzzle by Claudia Logan
Based on actual records of Dr. George Reisner, this story of a young boy and his family, chosen to be a part of Dr. Reisner’s archeological team is both entertaining and informational. The unique cartoons and use of journal entries and postcards make for an unforgettable mystery.
Fiction – Chapter Books
Flat Stanley: The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery by Jeff Brown
Flat Stanley is asked to travel to Egypt to assist with an archaeological expedition, but when he arrives, the situation turns out to be more urgent than he had anticipated. Read along as Flat Stanley works to avert being a part of a possible grave robbery!
The Time-Traveling Cat and the Egyptian Goddess by Julie Jarman
Topher’s mother was an Egyptologist and though she’s passed, she’s on his family’s minds once they take in a stray cat. Topher had been given an ornament that looks just like this cat when his mother was still alive and since Ka, their new pet, has been around, some odd things have been happening. One day, Topher realizes Ka may be revealing an alternate life to him. Read as he digs into his mom’s past studies of the ancient world.
Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osbourne (Magic Tree House)
Jack and Annie are taken back to ancient Egypt and introduced to a long-dead queen in need of their help in this rendition of the Magic Tree House. Follow them on this Egyptian adventure to see if they’re able to solve the ancient puzzle! Pair this with the Mummies and Pyramids book to cover even more fun facts about Egypt.
Kane Chronicles by Rick Rioridan
Carter and Sadie have been living apart since their mother died with Sadie in London with her grandparents and Carter traveling the world with his dad, an Egyptologist. One night, their father brings them back together for a research experiment where he accidentally unleashes the Egyptian god, Set. What will happen to the Kane family now? Start with the Red Pyramid and end with the Serpent’s Shadow in this Egyptian adventure trilogy.
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keattey Snyder
Melanie and April quickly discovered their bond over ancient Egypt and when they find an abandoned storage yard, they decide to create their own Egyptian game. Soon enough, they have four other friends who want to be a part of their own ancient world. It’s just a game to everyone, but when strange things begin to happen, they realize the ancient world may be close than they had anticipated.
Time Jumpers : Escape from Egypt by Wendy Mass
Chase and Ava are sent back through time once again to King Tut’s tomb after Chase touches a green-backed beetle. They must now put the beetle back where it came from, but even after they do, they are still being followed by a strange man. This Egyptian adventure is easy to read chapter book meant for young readers.
The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll by Scott Peters
Zet and Kat run their family pottery stall, but it’s been a struggle lately since their father is away fighting the Hyskos invaders. When a valuable Egyptian scroll is said to have been misplaced and a large reward is offered to whoever finds it, the two siblings set out to solve the mystery. If successful, their family’s troubles would come to an end! Join them on this adventure through ancient Egypt!
The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt by G.A Henty
When Chebron, the son of an Egyptian high priest, accidentally kills a cat held sacred to the Egyptians, his life is drastically altered. The journey that awaits him and the adventure that follows is a great read for those wanting to know more about the ancient world and the tales that it holds.
Tutankhamen’s Gift by Robert Sabuda
The youngest child of pharaoh Amenhotep III becomes the leader of the Egyptian people after the mysterious death of Amenhotep IV. Read through this book of historical artwork to hear how Tutankhamen found himself in power in the first place.
Non-Fiction
You Wouldn’t Want to Be! Books
Learn what it may have been like to be part of the Egyptian civilization in these interactive reads that allow kids to become the main character. The illustrations and information with bits of humor in between make for a great introduction to parts of ancient Egypt!
- You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Pyramid Builder!
- You Wouldn’t Want to Be an Egyptian Mummy!
- You Wouldn’t Want to Be Cleopatra!
- You Wouldn’t Want to Be Tutankhamen!
This beginner’s history book introduces the great pyramids to young readers as well as explanations for so many of the questions that surround these great structures. Though there is a focus on the pyramids, this book provides information on all of ancient Egypt.
We hear of his tomb and the great stories that surround his life, but who was King Tut? This complete history of his life and rule of the ancient world accompanied by illustrations is a great way to familiarize young readers with the great pharaoh.
Mummies and Pyramids by Mary Pope Osbourne (Magic Tree House companion)
Use this guide to learn about all the aspects of ancient Egypt talked about in Jack and Annie’s adventure, Mummies in the Morning. Find answers to questions about ancient Egypt and the mysterious mummies and pyramids associated with it!
1000 Facts About Ancient Egypt by Nancy Honovich
This great big reference book is filled with 1,000 interesting facts about Egypt and all that the ancient world entails! Read about the hieroglyphs and their meanings, the science of mummification, and the gods or famous pharaohs in this non-fiction read for kids!
This non-fiction reference read is full of historical information on the ancient world and how we found out about it at all! This one is filled with memorable photos that give an even greater illustration to life in Egypt!
Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt: Egyptian Mythology for Kids by Morgan E. Moroney
The Egyptians believed that powerful gods and goddesses ruled over their daily lives. This guide will help young readers understand this belief and the many practices that went along with it through illustrated myths, informational passages, and fascinating narratives.
Escape this Book! Tombs of Egypt by Bill Doyle
As soon as you open this book, you’re sucked into a great adventure. This fun story gives readers three chances to escape an ancient Egyptian tomb as a pharaoh, pyramid worker, or archaeologist. This is the perfect way to get acquainted with life in the ancient world.
Amazing Ancients! Egypt by Gabby Vernon-Melzer
Read about so many different aspects of the Egyptian culture in this interactive and informational guide. Split up into fourteen different topics, kids can read about things from traditional ceremonies, amazing architecture, and interesting Egyptian mythology.
DK Eyewitness: Ancient Egypt by George Hart
Travel back in time and discover one of the most incredible civilizations in history with this guide full of all you need to know! This book is filled with facts about the great pyramids, the mysterious pharaohs, and the ancient artwork that the great empire once held. The many images included make it interesting for young readers curious to discover!
Secrets of the Sphinx by James Cross Gilbin
The Great Sphinx is one of the largest sculptures in the world and has stood for over 4,500 years, but how did it come to be? James Cross Gilbin takes readers back in time to talk about much more than the Sphinx. The illustrations within this non-fiction read-aloud offers a great exploration into one of the most mysterious structures in history.
Mummies, Pyramids, and Pharaohs by Gail Gibbons
This illustration filled read allows kids to get an overview of what life in ancient Egypt was really like. Read along as ancient beliefs and customs, daily routines, and incredible artifacts are discussed!
