The age range of this book changes depending on what aspect of the book you are tuned in to. The story itself is a pleasing and straightforward tale about being responsible for your actions, and the consequences of being dishonest.AFTER the story, though, is the interactive portion of the book. There is a puzzle you have to figure out. Involving the books own version of hieroglyphs, some search and find, matching, the alphabet and other mental gymnastics, a kid could easily spend a half hour or more figuring out this puzzle. Younger kids who get frustrated easily might need prompts from the parents - IF the parents can figure it out! Very entertaining and well done.The Graeme Base website that the book points you to for the reward is beautiful, too.Good luck in finding The Jewel Fish of Karnak! Jackal and Ibis will be pardoned for their crimes if they are able to bring the Jewel Fish of Karnak back to the Cat Pharoh. But they must not take any other treasures in the process or get the jeweled fish wet. Of course what do you expect of two thieves? They can’t resist some extra treasure and their greed gets their boat sunk and the jeweled fish comes to life and swims away. But the pharoh has mercy on them since they come back and confess what happens. They will be pardoned if they can catch the right jeweled fish. Like any Graeme Base book, this one has a bit of a puzzle in it for the reader. There are hieroglyphic messages on each page to help figure out which jeweled fish is the right one and a decoder at the back which will only work when that is figured out. This would be a fun resource for classes studying ancient Egypt, and a great book for kids who like puzzles. As always, the illustrations are incredible. It is one of the few Base books that is not in rhyme, but that doesn’t diminish the fable.
What do You think about The Jewel Fish Of Karnak (2011)?
Excellent! Set aside some time to decode the hieroglyphs if you're that kind of person!
—Shortyghotcocoa
Cool pictures and a mystery to solve. Neat book!
—mamita98
