I Am the Mummy Heb-Nefert

“I Am the Mummy Heb-Nerfert” was an interesting book about life and death. The Mummy Heb-Nefert was the daughter of a nomarch, and she won the heart of the pharaoh’s brother. The two got married and lived lavish life styles. Heb-Nerfert talks about how she was given jewels and dressed like a queen after marrying the pharaoh’s brother. Everyone took care of her, and servants were at her hand and feet. However, when she passed away she realized that after all that life comes’ death. She saw herself being clothed and bejeweled with gifts and food to go with her in her tomb stone. But as time passed she began to understand that after all the life she lived, she will remain in her tomb stone until it is time for her to meet her show more Gods. Thousands of years pass and she is moved into a museum where people come and see her. Heb-Nerfert talks about how the people looking at her will also be in their tombs one day, waiting like she is. I think this book was pretty morbid in a way. I would think that some children would be scared to consider themselves dead and watching people look at them. I think Bunting did a good job at conveying the message that everyone lives and dies, no matter how rich or poor you are we all have the same fate. I just feel like it may have been a bit too weird for small children to read. show less

Heb-Nefert is now a mummy who lies encased in glass at a museum. However, life wasn't always this way for Heb-Nefert. Long ago, she was once the daughter on a Nomarch in Egypt, favored and beautiful. She lived a life of happiness and leisure. She was once the wife of the pharaoh's brother and they both lived for each other, together in the palace. They sailed the Nile, wandered the gardens, and loved each other for many years. Until one day, Heb-Nefert passed into the afterlife of eternity, rose above her body, and watched as her very own body was being mummified. Her husdand eventually grew old, and he, too, was mummified and placed next to her where they would be together forever.

Eve Bunting is one of my favorite children's authors. I think she makes history fun. This book is about how a mummy, who used to be queen and powerful, is now getting gawked at in a museum. The mummy wonders why she is here but realizes she's dead and is getting honored. It goes through the whole reasoning behind the mummification process. I would read this book to my students when we are learning about ancient Egypt.

A thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated look at life, love, and death in Ancient Egypt. It is considered children's literature, but I would recommend it for all ages.

This is an amazing picture book. I first read it while working at a public library. When I started working at a school library 5 years later, I purchased it for the school. I can't say enough good things about this book. iI's educational as well as very moving. It's 2013 now and I still love it.

Told from the mummies point of view, Heb-Nefert tells of her charmed life so many years ago. She tells of how she met and caught the eye of the pharoahs brother, of their time and travels together, and of her ever present companion her cat.

The illustrations in this book are a highlight!