Pharaoh – The Boy Who Conquered the Nile
Australian writer Jackie French is an award-winning author of dozens of children’s books over the past 20 years. She has also written radio programs, as well as newspaper and magazine columns, and various books for adults.
Her children’s books are exciting, funny, interesting to read and cover many topics, with titles such as “The Fascinating History of Your lunch” and “Shipwreck, Sailors and 60,000 Years: 1770 and all that happened before then”. Her books are considered good for getting children into the habit of reading, especially boys who have avoided doing so, because they are so well written and complex enough to hold a child’s interest.
One of her most recent books is “Pharaoh: The Boy Who Conquered the Nile”, a work of historical fiction aimed at children aged 10 to 14, telling the story of the unification of Egypt in the time before the pyramids. It is based loosely on historical and legendary figures and events, and is a fascinating introduction to the history of a part of the world that is so important to us.
The Pharaoh of the book’s title is a boy named Narmer who is 14 years old when the book starts out. Even though he is the second son, his father, who is king of the district of Thinis, has recognised in him the talents, abilities and personal characteristics that would make a good leader, so he has designated Narmer as his successor. However, Narmer’s jealous older brother who expected to be king, has plans to keep Narmer from ever being one.
It is believed that their home, the ancient city of Thinis, was located near Girga, the current seat of the Coptic Bishopric. Thinis was supposed to be the site of the unification of Egypt under the Thinnite Confederacy, but as it has never been found that only strengthens its legendary reputation.
The story follows Narmer through a life full of sibling rivalry, mishaps, adventures and problems that introduce readers to Egypt, as well as new experiences of other tribes from other lands nearby and their exotic traditions, plus valuable lessons about growing up to be a worthy man. As Narmer matures he learns what it means to be a true king and leader, and is able to achieve a great victory for his people.
The book is available in many local libraries, as well as bookstores, and I believe is worthwhile for children who have their cultural and family roots in Egypt.