Cigars of the Pharaoh (Tintin Young Readers)
#4 of 31 in Tintin Series
on Goodreads (18,119)
What’s inside...
Join Tintin, the world's most famous travelling reporter, as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure in 'Cigars of the Pharaoh'. Tintin sets out to uncover the truth behind mysterious cigars bearing a pharaoh's symbol and finds himself on a thrilling journey through Egypt and India. Along the way, he encounters a missing Egyptologist, a mysterious ancient pharaoh, and makes friends with elephants. Narrowly escaping the poison of madness and saving a maharajah from a killer tiger, Tintin's quest spans historical and political events, and thrilling mysteries. Created by Hergé (Georges Remi), The Adventures of Tintin series continues to captivate readers more than 80 years after its initial publication, with over 230 million copies sold worldwide. This iconic comic series is celebrated for its storytelling and is considered one of the greatest comics series of all time.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Tintin to go on his adventures?
How do the different characters in the story help Tintin on his journey?
What would you do if you were in Tintin's place during one of his challenging moments?
How does the setting influence the story? Can you imagine the story in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book's setting and ask your child to imagine their own version. Encourage them to think about the qualities that make Tintin a hero and ask them if they see any of those qualities in themselves or others. Highlight the cooperation between characters, prompting your child to think about the importance of teamwork. By asking them to put themselves in Tintin's shoes, you help develop empathy and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Tintin's inquisitive nature drives him to investigate mysteries and uncover truths, demonstrating an active, engaged approach to the world around him.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own environments, ask questions, and seek out answers, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Tintin faces numerous challenges and setbacks during his adventures, but his determination and persistence help him to overcome these obstacles and succeed in his mission.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to not give up easily in the face of difficulties, and to see challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Tintin often relies on his friends, like Captain Haddock and Snowy, to help him navigate through perils. This highlights the strength that lies in collaborative efforts and trusting relationships.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to value their friendships, cooperate with others, and appreciate different perspectives in group settings like school or sports.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The villains in the story are often motivated by greed, which ultimately leads to their downfall, illustrating the negative effects of such behavior.
Real-World Application: Helping children understand the importance of fairness and sharing, and how selfishness can lead to negative outcomes both for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and respect
Explanation: Tintin travels to different parts of the world, encountering various cultures and customs, which teaches him—and the readers—about diversity and the importance of respecting differences.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to learn about different cultures through books, experiences, or interactions with diverse groups, fostering a more inclusive worldview.