Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

I enjoyed this book for several reason. First, it was a picture book that was set in Egypt, a setting I do not typically see unless it has something to do with tomb raiding or the pyramids in some manner. It brought a different perspective of a typical first-day-of-school jitters. For example, Khepri comes from a fisherman’s family and is used to working on the boat with his father, yet is excited to begin his new journey with schooling. When they arrive to the main city, he begins to say, “Our crossing is too long and too short...I want to stay and go...to enter the town, thich with people and excitement, and to return to our old, quite river, and home,” which I found to be more optimistic in terms of a first day of school type of attitude. Another reason I enjoyed reading the book was the style in which the text itself was set up. Initially I thought it was written in a poetry form, to then realize it did have a specific type of rhythm as I read. Finally, the illustrations were tremendous with the deep, rich colors that beautifully complimented the Egyptian style artwork that was depicted throughout the book. The patterns and colors are eye catching and lovely to gaze at. In addition, the back of the book contains informative texts regarding writing and school in ancient Egypt, other books to further reading in relation to this book, a note from the author and illustrator, and a glossary for the rich vocabulary used in this book meant for 5-9 year olds. ( )

Khepri is a boy who lives in ancient Egypt and is going to his first day of school. He leaves his home with his father and they get onto his father's boat. While crossing the Nile to get to school, Khepri sings with his father and thinks about what is coming for him. He is both nervous and excited for school. They arrive and his father gives him a box filled with reeds, which are his pens for school. His father then leaves and he looks into the courtyard missing his old life, but remembering that he is not alone. ( )

My daughter loved this book! She always had trouble going to school because she missed me too much and she felt a connection to the little boy in this story. The illustration is beautiful and I recommended this to all my friends with children. I've even told my daughters teacher about it. We loved it! Thank you for this great story. ( )

This story of a young boy going to school for the first time is gorgeously illustrated. The book is set up nicely to highlight the artwork with only a few sentences per two-page spread. Although it seems like not much is written, the language is rich with description and feeling. The last few pages provide additional sources for further information as well as background on the author and illustrator. ( )