What Is the Story of the Mummy?

What Is the Story Of?

by Sheila Keenan, Who H.Q., Carlos Basabe (Illustrator)

Your favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library!

The Mummy joins other classic horror characters Dracula and Frankenstein in our What Is the Story Of? series.

Unlike the other classic Universal horror movie monsters of their time, the Mummy's origins can't be found in the pages of a book. His story was inspired by the opening of King Tut's tomb in 1922. The world fell in love with all things Egyptian and was enthralled with stories of ancient mummies. The film producers of the early Dracula and Frankenstein films wasted no time creating a character who's been creeping out of his coffin and entertaining audiences since 1932.

Author Sheila Keenan explains the history of the movie and its remakes, the legendary curse of King Tut's mummy, and what lies ahead for this monstrous creature.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

Sheila Keenan is an established author of fiction and nonfiction for young people. Her books include the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Dogs of War, the picture book As the Crow Flies, I Spy The Illuminati Eye, and O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks and Inspiring Words, among other selected titles. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy, fun, and a nice balance between history and pop culture. Kids will find much to enjoy in this creepy, educational book.

EDIT 5/3/23
I have no memory of reading this book the first time (yikes!) but I certainly enjoyed my second read-through. It provides a nice balance between the stories of mummies and the film version of the monsters. Would definitely recommend.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too involved to be a kids' series. Unless a kid is an avid fan of mummies and history, this one will not leave the shelf.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like most of this book was actually about KIng Tut and not the origin of the mummy, but it was still pretty interesting.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to go to museums and visit real mummies. I also like to watch Brenden Fraser fight cgi mummies in movies. Mummies are cool.