Hatshepsut, His Majesty, Herself

From Publishers Weekly Andronik (Quest for a King: Searching for the Real King Arthur) pieces together a thoughtful biography of "ancient Egypt's only successful female king," who ruled in the 1400s B.C. The heavy amount of text and sophisticated discussion of lineage and royal customs make this picture book best suited to older readers. After the death of her father, Tuthmosis I, a powerful pharaoh, 12-year-old Hatshepsut married her only surviving sibling, half-brother Tuthmosis II, who died within several years. Hatshepsut then became the acting ruler of Egypt, allegedly until Tuthmosis's son (by a member of his harem) reached an age to assume this role. Yet she soon thereafter crowns herself pharaoh. Andronik discloses some intriguing anecdotes and details, among them the facts that Hatshepsut referred to herself in her writing as both "he" and "she," and dressed in male clothing at official ceremonies, even attaching a gold "beard" to her chin. After her death, Hatshepsut's nephew (Tuthmosis III) and successor changed the royal records to make it appear as though he had succeeded his father directly and ordered statues and wall carvings bearing her image destroyed. Carefully mingling fact and well-reasoned conjecture, the author shapes an absorbing story, helpfully including pronunciation keys throughout the text. Rendered in alkyd on paper, Fiedler's (The Crystal Heart) stately pictures emulate the feel of ancient Egyptian artwork and make this historical figure all the more real and intriguing. Ages 7-10. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Gr 3-6-A readable and appealing picture-book biography of Egypt's only female pharaoh. Initially the regent for her nephew, Tuthmosis III, Hatshepsut gained control and took over the throne when he was still a child. She declared herself ruler, and wore men's clothing and an artificial beard. She used the title of pharaoh and referred to herself as she and he. Her reign was one of peace and prosperity and although she did much to improve her country, Tuthmosis tried to obliterate all traces of her existence after her death. Historians have found enough evidence to document her life, however, and the mystery monarch comes to life in this well-written, intriguing book. Andronik's factual style is peppered with anecdotes and personal tidbits that make Hatshepsut's story a memorable one. Fiedler's rich-toned alkyd paintings fill single- and double-page spreads with stylized renderings of Egyptian life, artwork, and scenery. Text and pictures work together to offer a complete and detailed life story. This fine biography provides some answers to an ancient puzzle.-Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NYCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.