Lugalbanda : The Boy Who Go Caught Up in a War An Epic Tale from Ancient Iraq, told by Kathy Henderson

In this work of fiction, the author has recreated a tale that she believes to be the oldest written story in the world. Drawing on translations from cueiform tablets found in ancient Sumer, she brings the story of Lugalbanda back to life. In folklore, he was a king in Uruk and Sumer and the father of Gilgamesh. Here he is a weak young boy who goes off to war with his brothers, becomes gravely ill, recovers,develops a relationship with the magical giant Anzu bird, and helps redeem his country from warfare. The illustrations, which are perfectly matched with the text, are middle eastern in style, with colors in jewel tones. Included are an introductory section on Sumer's history and an afterword about the story itself. Both are well-written and easy to read. This book can be read and appreciated by grades 4 and up. It could be used in 7th grade social studies classes or as part of a folklore unit.