Cleopatra by Diana Stanley

Bibliography
Stanley, Diane. 1994. Cleopatra. New York: Morrow Junior Books.

Illustrator: Peter Vennema
ISBN: 0-688-10413-4

Summary
This biography details the reign of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, from the age of 18 and concludes upon her death at the age of 39.

Critical Analysis
Outstanding author and illustrator, Diane Stanley, has written a remarkable biography about Cleopatra, an interesting person from an ancient time period.

Stanley provides a note on ancient sources before the story opens to support the authenticity and accuracy of the facts about Cleopatra. She explains that all writings about Cleopatra were written by her enemies, and the major episodes of her life were recorded by Plutarch. The written works of Plutarch have to be regarded carefully because he lived 100 years after Cleopatra and much of his writings were substantiated by her opponents (Note on Ancient Sources). Also, Stanley reports on her personal website that she travels to areas to do research on her subjects. She traveled to Egypt for research about Cleopatra (www.dianastanley.com).

The preface provided at the beginning of the book provides background information to make the story coherent. The story follows the chronological life of Cleopatra, starting at the age of eighteen and ending upon her death at the age of 39. The epilogue at the end of the book provides a nice closure to the history of the time period. Additionally, the pronunciation guide is a nice addition to make the reading more gratifying.

Stanley is teamed with an amazing illustrator to make the perfect design for this story. Gouache, a specific paint technique, is used to make the illustrations support the interesting text and are a nice complement to the story. The illustrations of the clothing, transportation, gatherings, and settings are authentic to the time period. Also, the maps are helpful resources for the reader.

Stanley's passion for history and accuracy of information keeps the story interesting and easy to read. This is an outstanding, enjoyable biography that should be part of any library's children's collection. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley is deserving of inclusion on numerous book lists, including the ALA Notable Books.

Review Excerpts
Carolyn Noah with School Library Journal reports, "In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative" (1994).

Publisher Weekly Review states, "The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema . . . . Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures" (1994).

Review excerpts accessed from http://www.fortworthgov.org/library/

Connections
Other biographies/historical fiction about Cleopatra:
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Cleopatra by Susan Reid
Cleopatra by Rose Blue
Cleopatra: Egypt's Last Pharaoh by Don Nardo
Queen Cleopatra by Thomas Streissguth