The Pharaoh vs. the Felines

The Pharaoh vs. the Felines by J.F. Fox and Anna Kwon is the purr-fect addition to the Head to Head History series by Kids Can Press.

In this latest installment, readers head to Ancient Egypt to learn about the war between Egypt and Persia in 525 BCE and the role that furry felines had to play in the loss of Egypt to the Persians. Since many readers, at least in Ontario, learn about ancient civilizations in school, this is an amazing book to add to a classroom library to enhance learning and make the topic interesting and fun.

History can, at times, be a little dry. Stories like The Pharoah vs The Felines bring history to life for young readers and help them connect their own experiences with those of people in the ancient world. In this case, focusing on the love and reverence of cats helps readers connect to the pets in their own lives and how much they love them. J.F. Fox has really nailed the tone of the story. She speaks to readers the way they speak to each other. By offering levity and humour throughout the story, readers will be hooked on learning more about ancient Egyptians and their cats.

Anna Kwon’s illustrations are impeccable. They stay true to the dress and setting of the ancient world but infuse lightness and some more humour into the topic that will keep readers with the story until the very end. I love how her illustrations focus on snapshots of the people and cats involved in the story and provide readers with more information about the people of the time outside of the actual narrative of the story.