Good Times Travel Agency in Ancient Egypt

While researching a request for interesting books about the Ancient world for a homeschooling family member I ran across the Good Times Travel Agency series. I like to preview before purchasing, so I borrowed a copy of Adventures in Ancient Egypt (Good Times Travel Agency) from my local library.

This series is appealing as it is written in a graphic novel format. Three bored children out walking end up entering an old travel agency that they have always avoided do to its rather scary looking building. The youngest sister runs into the store her fraternal twin siblings chase after her and meet the travel agency's owner. He does not relieve the children of their concerns as he begins mumbling about the lack of visitors. When the brother grabs a book that has fallen off the shelf on Ancient Egypt, he promises them a wonderful journey.

In a flash, the children find themselves in Egypt around 2500 B.C. As they consult they guidebook to find out more about what happened they discover valuable information about Egypt at this time. Emma also realizes that they cannot go home until they read every word in the book.

The children and the reader continue to learn more about Egypt as the guidebook continues. In order to keep the reader engaged a conflict arises when Josh is mistaken for an Egyptian boy who is supposed to report to work for the King. Emma and Libby must of course find Josh before they can return home. The rest of the book consists of Emma and Libby searching for Josh, allowing the writer to share more information as they learn about Egypt as in their efforts to find him.

This book will appeal to younger children who are exploring Ancient Egypt and even older students who might be reluctant readers. While the information is provided in graphic novel format, the guidebook entries are a good introduction for students who are learning about the culture of the time. This series reminds me a little of the Sightseers Guides only done in graphic style and with a story attached to the guidebook.