The Tail of the Mummy Cat (Double Booking)

Gr 4-7--How do you describe an adventure involving two siblings who are complete opposites? In a "he said, she said" flip book written by real-life siblings Pangburn and Shearer! Older sister Nan is tall, neat, and wants to be a travel writer just like Mom. Younger brother Otto is short, stocky, messy, and more interested in comics and art camp than a trip to Egypt. The action takes place as they visit a pyramid for their mother's job. Otto sees the ghosts of a pharaoh and his mummified cat, but Nan doesn't believe him because they don't appear to her. First, readers experience Otto's POV as he tries to deal with these ghostly apparitions, and then they see Nan bewildered by Otto talking to thin air. The illustration style for each half matches the personality of the character whose viewpoint readers are experiencing. Otto's version has rounded edges and silliness in each scene, much like the "Cat Knight and Dog Woman" comics he draws. Nan's version matches her idea of herself as a no-nonsense reporter with straight edges, a slightly sinister ambiance, and reinforces Otto's younger age by always showing him down below Nan's eye level. VERDICT The perfect family vacation story, complete with mummies, newfound friends, and (eventually) sibling cooperation.--Suzanne Costner