DOUBLE BOOKING

During a trip to Egypt, two American siblings learn about an unfamiliar culture and stumble upon mummies in Pangburn and Shearer’s middle-grade graphic novel.

Eleven-year-old Nan and her little brother, Otto, are joining their travel-blogging mother on her latest voyage, whether they like it or not. Otto certainly doesn’t, as the last-minute trip forces him to leave his beloved art camp early. But Nan, an aspiring travel blogger herself, is excited to witness Egypt’s beauty and learn its history. The kids explore on their own, although Nan finds it hard to enjoy the experience when her brother runs off without her. As it happens, Otto is chasing after Princess Tiaa, a mummified cat who sprints outside her pyramid, and away from the cat’s human mummy owner. It turns out that only Otto can see the mummies, who are invisible to Nan; however, he needs Nan’s help sneaking back into the pyramid at night with the cat, where they deal with unexpected turns of events. Authors Pangburn and Shearer, who are siblings, present this story from dual perspectives; readers of the print copy must flip the book over for the second half. Otto opens the narrative, and he’s a mostly endearing boy—even when he’s whining—who craves adventure but shirks responsibility. The mummy-free, Nan-centric half, while less exhilarating, enriches the character of the dependable sister, as readers learn why a bracelet is so important to her and witness moments when she understandably tunes out her grumbling brother. There’s relatively little overlap between the two stories, as the siblings are separated for a time. However, humor abounds, as when Otto converses with a seemingly empty sarcophagus in Nan’s story, and there are copious educational tidbits on ancient and contemporary Egyptians. Touris’ cartoon-style art bursts with color during Egypt’s amber-tinted days and blue-gray nights. Illustration highlights include pages of Otto’s own ongoing comic-book project featuring Cat Knight and Dogwoman, and Nan’s journal of photos and sketches.

A fun, illuminating tale with a wonderfully zippy cast.