Teaching Egyptian history isn’t just about pyramids and pharaohs, it’s an opportunity to spark curiosity, build critical thinking, and connect students with the achievements of one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cultures.
Picture books and illustrations make Egyptian history approachable and memorable, especially for elementary and middle school learners. The following top websites offer lesson plans, book lists, and multimedia tools to help you bring history, literacy, and art together in dynamic and age-appropriate ways.
Each site on our list below includes:
- ✅ Why it’s worth knowing
- ✅ What it’s best for
- ✅ A quick tip to bring it into your classroom
List of Top Websites for Teaching Elementary Students About Egyptian History with Picture Books And Illustrations
Because ancient civilizations deserve more than a textbook.
1. Teaching History with Children’s Literature – Ancient Egypt (Reading Rockets)
Why it’s worth knowing:
Reading Rockets has curated a high-quality collection of picture books focused on ancient Egypt, with brief summaries and links to additional resources.
Best for:
Teachers seeking high-interest historical fiction and nonfiction read-alouds.
Notes:
Pair book selections with their related “Author Interviews” or “Learning Activities” for an interdisciplinary experience.
2. British Museum: Ancient Egypt Teaching Resources
Why it’s worth knowing:
This museum-based site is rich with primary source images, downloadable lessons, and student activities—all grounded in artifacts and archaeology.
Best for:
Cross-curricular units linking reading, history, art, and critical thinking.
Notes:
Have students create their own “museum labels” for objects after reading a related picture book.
3. The Children’s Book Review – Ancient Egypt Books for Kids
Why it’s worth knowing:
An expertly curated list of fiction and nonfiction titles about ancient Egypt, suitable for grades K–8. Updated regularly with a mix of classics and new releases.
Best for:
Building a culturally inclusive classroom library or choosing guided reading titles.
Notes:
Use their summaries to create a “book tasting” day where students preview and rank the books they’re most excited to read.
4. National Geographic Kids – Ancient Egypt
Why it’s worth knowing:
Visually stunning and student-friendly, this page includes bite-sized articles, infographics, and photo galleries ideal for research projects or book pairings.
Best for:
Helping students deepen understanding of real-world geography, culture, and historical context after reading historical fiction.
Notes:
Use their “Who’s Who in Ancient Egypt” to compare real figures with characters from picture books.
5. Royal Ontario Museum – Egyptian Activities for Kids
Why it’s worth knowing:
This museum’s kid-centered page offers craft-based learning activities—like making an Egyptian necklace or learning hieroglyphics—perfect for early finishers or extension projects.
Best for:
Hands-on connections to historical concepts in picture books.
Notes:
After reading a story set in ancient Egypt, invite students to “become archaeologists” and recreate an artifact from the text.
6. Core Knowledge – Ancient Egypt Unit for Grade 1
Why it’s worth knowing:
Although designed for first grade, this unit includes read-aloud scripts, picture-supported vocabulary, and activity suggestions that align well with early social studies standards.
Best for:
Primary-grade teachers looking for scaffolded literacy + content instruction.
Notes:
Use the read-aloud texts as an anchor for themed picture books that reinforce the same concepts.
7. Peep and the Big Wide World – Ancient Egypt Activities
Why it’s worth knowing:
Though designed for younger learners, this page introduces archaeology and the scientific process in fun, inquiry-based ways.
Best for:
Early childhood science + history connections, especially when introducing topics like excavation or preservation from stories.
Notes:
Pair with books like Mummy Cat or Seeker of Knowledge to blend science, culture, and narrative.
8. World History Encyclopedia – Ancient Egypt (Kid-Friendly Version)
Why it’s worth knowing:
An academic but readable source for kid-friendly content, this site includes free encyclopedia-style entries, maps, and timelines.
Best for:
Middle-grade research and pairing nonfiction with historical fiction picture books.
Notes:
Challenge students to fact-check a fictional story using entries from this site.
Book Pairing Ideas: Picture Books That Bring Ancient Egypt to Life
Use these with your lessons or on their own as springboards into history, geography, literacy, and SEL.
Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs, By James Rumford
This beautifully illustrated biography introduces students to Jean-François Champollion, the young French scholar who cracked the code of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Through poetic narration and authentic symbols woven into the artwork, students gain insight into the importance of language and perseverance in uncovering ancient mysteries.
Best for: Grades 3–6 | Language, History, Growth Mindset
Mummy Cat, By Marcus Ewert, illustrated by Lisa Brown
Told from the perspective of a cat reawakening in his tomb, this hauntingly poetic story weaves themes of loyalty, loss, and the power of memory. The detailed illustrations are rich with Egyptian symbolism, and the book’s dual timeline structure invites thoughtful discussion.
Best for: Grades 2–5 | Poetry, Visual Literacy, Emotions in History
Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile, By Tomie dePaola
A lighthearted and funny introduction to Egyptian geography and history, this classic follows a crocodile and his toothbrush buddy on a school trip down the Nile River. With gentle humor and clever visual cues, it’s a fun way to set the stage for more in-depth exploration.
Best for: Grades K–3 | Map Skills, Humor, Cultural Landmarks
Temple Cat, By Andrew Clements, illustrated by Kate Kiesler
This sweet and accessible story follows a temple cat in ancient Egypt who longs for a simpler life. The lyrical text and warm illustrations open conversations about class, purpose, and compassion—all against the backdrop of temple life.
Best for: Grades K–2 | Early SEL, Themes of Belonging, Historical Setting
The Egyptian Cinderella, By Shirley Climo, illustrated by Ruth Heller
Based on a centuries-old Egyptian tale, this multicultural retelling of the Cinderella story highlights themes of resilience and justice while introducing students to ancient Egyptian culture through richly detailed illustrations and authentic names.
Best for: Grades 2–5 | Cultural Comparison, Folklore, Global Literacy
Tutankhamun’s Gift, By Robert Sabuda
In this fictionalized account of the young king, readers follow Tutankhamun’s life from his early years to his mysterious death. The book balances historical facts with thoughtful storytelling, brought to life through Sabuda’s signature papyrus-style illustrations.
Best for: Grades 3–6 | Biography, Ancient Leadership, Visual Art Integration
In Closing
Teaching ancient Egypt with picture books allows students to connect emotionally with the past while learning to think critically, read thoughtfully, and ask big questions. Whether you’re launching a social studies unit, integrating with ELA, or exploring early civilizations through art, these sites will help you build a rich and engaging cross-curricular experience.
Are you looking for more classroom-ready ideas like this one? Head back to our main resource hub to keep exploring resources for teachers.
