The Jewel Fish of Karnak - Graeme Base (Penguin Group)

Far away in Ancient Egypt, Jackal and Ibis are brought before the Cat Pharaoh to be punished for stealing from the town market. In a merciful moment, the Pharaoh decides to give the two friends one last chance: they must journey up the River Nile to the temple of Karnak and bring back something that has been taken from her – a beautiful and precious Jewel Fish. Complete with hieroglyphics, sparkling jewels and an ingenious mechanical device built into the back of the book, here is a cautionary tale set amongst the wonders of an ancient world.

Read the first chapter.

Author biography

Graeme Base is one of the world's leading creators of picture books. Animalia received international acclaim when it was first published in 1986 and it has achieved classic status with worldwide sales of more than two million copies. Other award-winning perennial favourites include The Eleventh Hour, The Waterhole, My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch, The Sign of the Seahorse, Jungle Drums, TruckDogs and The Legend of the Golden Snail.

Judges’ comments

Superbly illustrated, this epic adventure comes replete with classical allusions, mischievous characters and a puzzle to engage the brightest young readers. Inspired by ancient Egypt, Base has produced a tale to expand the imagination, enchant the senses and provide a tantalising glimpse of a great civilisation.