0688104134.
This biography tells about Cleopatra�s life as the Queen of Egypt. It�s hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction throughout the book, but the authors point out that little is known about what truly took place in Cleopatra�s life. They continually make reference to a text by Plutarch, but make it clear to the reader that Plutarch�s text may not be entirely accurate. The authors are extremely qualified considering the fact that they have written a number of other award winning biographies and have received the Orbis Pictus Award, as well as many starred reviews in School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other reputable review sources. The sources they used are listed in a bibliography at the end of the text, and the most important aspects of Cleopatra�s life are included in the text, such as her children, her relationships, personality and death.
The layout of the book is logical, as is the sequence of information. The text is a chronological account of Cleopatra�s life from age 18 to her death. There aren�t many reference aids � no table of contents or index, but there are a few subheadings that point out a preface and an epilogue. Once again, it�s not known if the illustrations are accurate because most of Cleopatra�s life is a mystery, but they are appropriately placed. While the text tells of how Mark Antony first spotted Cleopatra on a boat being pampered, there is a beautiful illustration of her being fed fruit and fanned by servants on a lavish boat. The pictures are large and colorful which make them appealing to children. The text is also large and is placed on top of a light background of mosaic tiles which is very appropriate to the setting of Egypt.
The writing is clear and interesting. The text starts off by stating that Cleopatra ��was not even Egyptian�� but was Macedonian Greek. The authors� passion for the topic is revealed in the writing. After quoting a passage taken from Plutarch�s text describing the elaborate decorations of Cleopatra�s boat, the authors write, �Splendid indeed!� The writing also encourages curiosity. The authors point out that it isn�t known for sure how Cleopatra died, but she most likely poisoned herself. The readers will wonder if she really allowed herself to be bitten by a poisonous snake, or if she was even poisoned at all. Readers will want to learn more about Cleopatra, as well as about Caesar and Mark Antony.
The actions of Cleopatra certainly speak for themselves in this book, especially if it is true that she killed herself rather than let herself be taken prisoner by Octavian. The authors don�t glorify her life or her death and point out that her son was most likely sentenced to death by Octavian after Cleopatra�s death. The story is well told and the authors do a good job of letting readers know that most of the book and what is known of Cleopatra�s life is theory, not fact.
