"Quiet but beautifully written, this is a great informational read-aloud about starting school, ancient Egypt, and hieroglyphics." -- School Library Journal (STARRED review) A young boy in ancient Egypt travels down the Nile, nervous for his first day of school. Khepri lives in ancient Egypt, happily fishing alongside his father in the waters of the Nile. But today, Khepri will have to replace his fishing pole with the reed pens of a scribe: it's his first day of school. My little sisters are still asleep as we leave. I shut the door softly. As Father and I step into the deserted street and turn down the old road, my feet are heavy, but my head is light. As he and his father travel to Thebes, Khepri faces his anxieties about starting school, at last finding a sense of peace with his mother's amulet, his father's pen case, and Lord Khepri's favor warm on his shoulders.

From historian and author Katy Beebe ( Brother Hugo and the Bear ) comes a gorgeous and poignant picture book with a relatable story in an unique historical setting. Author's and illustrator's notes, information on school in Ancient Egypt, recommendations for further reading, and a glossary add context for young readers.