Reviews (7)

Not just a book for kids....
Once again, Diane Stanley has brought intriguing facts and interesting tidbits to a book about a well known character, Joan of Arc, which makes the reader interested and excited about the subject, no matter what age he or she might be.Joan was born an illiterate, peasant daughter of a leader in a French village during the time of the Hundred Years War between France and England.She was highly disciplined in Catholicism, and was often teased about it by her friends. At the age of thirteen, Joan began having visions, while in the family garden, of various Catholic Saints giving her distressing messages and that she needed to act in order to save the French Kingdom.Joan was so convinced and moved by these visions that she took on a life long task of saving the French kingdom, although a woman doing this would have been unheard of at the time.She was eventually captured by the Burgundies that occupied Northern France and handed over to the English for a ransom.She was put on trial by the church for dressing in men's clothing and for acting on her voices and visitations which should have only been heard by members of the clergy.She was found guilty, although she gave clever testimony and was not easily disrupted by tricky questioning, and eventually burned at the stake.Charles, the ruler that Joan help restore to the crown, made it his personal mission to have Joan's trial declared a mistrial sixteen years after her death.This act fueled by his guilt for not negotiating for her release from prison helped her to be declared a saint five hundred years later.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc
A superb illustrated juvenile biography of Joan of Arc
I was sold on Diane Stanley's juvenile biography of "Joan of Arc" after reading her two-page prologue, "A Hundred Years of War," in which she explains the political situation in France when King Charles VI of France died two months after King Henry V of England.If you remember the end of Shakespeare's "Henry V," then you might be familiar with the agreement that was put into place following the Battle of Agincourt, but how many young readers have really studied that particular bit of English history by the Bard?However, in these two pages Stanley explains why the 19-year-old dauphin, Charles VII, was still uncrowned when Jeannette d'Arc in the small town of Domremy began receiving heavenly visions.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Biography & Autobiography - Religious    4. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Christian saints    8. France    9. History - Other    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Saints    13. Women    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Other   

Editorial Review

Older children will certainly appreciate the wealth of information in this complete and fascinating biography of Leonardo da Vinci. Illustrated in an Old Masters style, the book follows the life of da Vinci from birth to death and gives a detailed account of his extraordinary achievements, not only in his painting but also as an engineer, scientist, and inventor who is centuries ahead of his time. The treatment of da Vinci's famous notebooks usefully conveys the power of the man's imagination. His practice of writing in a backward script from right to left, requiring a mirror to decipher it, will intrigue children. (The dust jacket bears such lettering on the back, which should immediately prompt a run to the bathroom mirror.) An accomplished and engaging biography for children. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

www.lazyreaders.com book club recommendation for April 2006
I get this feeling that interest in Leonardo da Vinci is going to really increase next month (there's this little film called "The Da Vinci Code" coming out, based on a modestly-selling book). If you are too lazy to read an adult biography on Leonardo (and I am), this book provides an excellent glimpse into da Vinci's life and artwork. Kids love the pictures, and I love subversively introducing students to paintings (even though art is no longer taught in most schools). For more cool adult, young adult and children's book recommendations (under 250 pages), visit www.lazyreaders.com.

His name is Leo
Leonardo Da Vinci is, in many ways, the perfect subject for a children's biography.Above and beyond his myriad of accomplishments (scientist, inventor, artist) his life is one of adventure and interest.The illegitimate son of a leading man of Vinci, Leonardo went into the artistic life precisely because he was considered too base for a, "noble profession". Leonard Da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance Man
The cover of this excellent juvenile biography of Leonardo Da Vinci is quite interesting because it shows him as a young man in front of the background from his most famous painting, the "Mona Lisa."I saw a story once that compared the face of the "Mona Lisa" with the famous red ink drawing of Da Vinci as an old man, which did size comparisons and argued they were the same.In other words, the "Mona Lisa" is really a self-portrait of Da Vinci.This makes a bit of sense since the artist worked on it for years, obviously with the benefit of a model.Diane Stanley's cover painting, intentionally or not, references this intriguing hypothesis.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1452-1519    2. Artists    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Art    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    7. Children: Grades 2-3    8. Italy    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Leonardo,    12. da Vinci,    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Art   

Reviews (3)

a fun, quick read

A charming book for children
BELLA AT MIDNIGHT by Diane Stanley is a sweet, enchanting story filled with intrigue, chivalry and magical gifts. Young Isabel lives among the peasants of a quaint medieval village not aware that she is the daughter of a knight in the king's service. Bella, as her foster family calls her, is raised as a blacksmith's daughter to be respectful, kind and industrious. Those qualities will shine through in her time of need when she finds herself in the middle of a 100-year-old war. The values instilled by her adoptive parents and the courage given to her by birth converge to help Bella save a good friend and bring a prophesy to life.
Impossible things are happening every day
Hello, Diane Stanley.You're looking well today.Could it be the result of a new haircut?A new shirt?Or could it be the fact thatyou've just written a work of fiction that is getting resounding, unending, and universal applause?I think that might be the case.You look at "Bella At Midnight" and you don't exactly know what to think.It's a nice cover and all, but is it any good?Well, there's a starred review of it in Kirkus, a starred review of it in Booklist, and a starred review of it in School Library Journal.So, yes, it is indeed good.More importantly, it does something that I would have seriously doubted possible until this time.It takes that old chestnut of a Cinderella myth, pumps it full of new life and vitality, and sends it spinning off into the ether like some kind of newfangled original tale.I still had qualms with some aspects of the storytelling, but for three-dimensional characters, magnificent plotting, and a great bit of writing through and through, "Bella At Midnight" is near impossible to beat.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Medieval    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    9. Knights and knighthood    10. Princes    11. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Juvenile Fiction / Royalty   

Reviews (3)

Watch for this Author she's a Gem!
This author was new to us and we will be looking for her from now on. The pictures are sooo wonderful they transport you. The information is well done and clear, yet not watered done. This is someone that REALLY understands writing books for children that adults can enjoy using as teachers or parents. I recently bought alot of books on Shakespeare, for use in the school room this year and we have found 4 authors that made the grade on this subject! This is a keeper!

Diane Stanley Is The Queen Of Longer Picturebook Biographies
Stanley is a masterful writer/illustrator when it comes to creating longer picturebook biographies (with heavier text).Her bios on da Vinci, Cleopatra and Shakespeare are fabulous.It amazes me that she has not won a Caldecott Honor yet! I can't wait to see her bio about Michelangelo!

Excellent children's biography
Our family has recently discovered the wonderful Peter Vennema/Diane Stanley biographies.They are vivid, engaging, and thorough, yet short enough for younger readers to sit through (my daughters are 4 and6). Bard of Avon and Good Queen Bess are our favorites so far, and they go verywell together since neither Shakespeare nor Queen Elizabeth would have beenthe same without the other.Unlike other histories or biographies forchildren, this book makes a destinction between what we know aboutShakespeare's life and times and what are only guesses. It is nice forchildren to see that the study of history is not just memorizing facts anddates, but piecing together clues in the context of what is known about atime period.As a former high school English teacher,I wish that I hadhad this book when I was teaching Shakespeare plays because it would havebeen a wonderful introduction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authors, English    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Literary    4. Biography & Autobiography - Performing Arts    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Dramatists, English    8. Early modern, 1500-1700    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Shakespeare, William    12. English literature: Shakespeare texts    13. Historical figures    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Performing Arts   

Reviews (7)

Should never have been published!
This book is inappropriate for anyone under thirteen or fourteen or so. I read the book about a year ago and am still reassuring myself that it isn't real. My friend read it and had nightmares for several months afterward! Why read this sort of freaky junk when there is lots of real literature out there-the Underland series by Suzanne Collins or the Charlie Bone books, for instance?

The musterious Matter of I.M. Fine.
Franny's siblings and parents move,and go to a new school.A weird book causes strange phenomenons.Franny wants to find out who is the author.
The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine
"Oh no! People all over the state are acting like snakes. We must find out what's going on, this has never happened before." This is what Franny, the main character says to Beamer when she suspects something is going on with the mega-popular series, the Chiller and their author I. M. Fine. Everyone loves reading the books, and when new ones come out, bookstores are always sold out before a few days at most. Now recently, three books have come out, The Worm Turns, Mind Wave, and Sinister Serpent Surprise and each of these three books had something bizarre about them. Anyone who read The Worm Turns started a Jelly Worm fad, anyone who read Mind Wave got a terrible headache for three days, and finally anyone who read Sinister Serpent Surprise started acting like a snake.
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Subjects:  1. Books and reading    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Mystery and detective stories    10. Readers - Intermediate    11. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Intermediate   

Reviews (5)

Great overview for young people of Queen Elizabeth's life
Diane Stanley's biography of Queen Elizabeth I of England follows the great Queen's life from her father's divorce of Catherine of Aragon, to Elizabeth's death in 1603. Without bogging down in the details of Elizabeth's seventy years, Stanley has created a broad look at the important events in the Queen's life. Beautiful, historical and perfect for kids
Like all the Diane Stanley books that we have my children and I loved this one.The illustrations are colorful and very fitting for the time.I have always been interested in history and have searched for books that my girls can relate to.The story of Queen Elizabeth is something all children should be familiar with. I think Ms. Stanley has a wonderful way of making history interesting for young readers.

Enchanting Start to a Lifetime Love of History
I first read this book when I was in third grade and I must have checked it out from the library 100 more times. I was fascinated by the beautiful illustrations and by the true story of Elizabeth I. It really got me into history. Now I read 800+ page books about Tudor history and I can't help but think back to the days when i used to recreate the illusrations using my own crayons and muse over every sentence in the book. Starts a lifetime love of history, and for me, an obession with the Tudors. The illustrations are perfect and the content isn't too dumbed down, but it isn't too hard.Recommended for any child who ever wanted to be a princess or ever showed any interest in history. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1533-1603    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Elizabeth    8. Great Britain    9. History - Europe    10. History - Renaissance    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    14. Queen of England,    15. Queens    16. Women    17. Historical figures    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical    19. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (6)

The Crusade which Preceded the 'War on Terror'
Many people have seen the excellent PBS documentary, "Holy Warriors", about Saladin and Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade.For me it opened up a whole new field of inquiry, for although I am myself an historian, my field is not the Middle Ages. I sought out and read many books on Saladin, and found him a fascinating and admirable character, and an excellent antidote to the hatred of Islam which is presently being fomented by our government.It seemed to me that it was important to get the word out-- especially to the next generation-- about this Muslim whose character was so contrary to prevalent stereotypes.Diane Stanley's book fulfills this need.It presents the true history of Saladin and the Third Crusade in a manner which is readily understandable to children and accompanied by beautiful illustrations.It seems unlikely that any child who has read this book will grow up feeling the hatred that our government wants us to feel for all Muslims, and in that lies its greatest virtue.

beautiful book, but anti-Christian
This book caught my eye at the library because it has beautiful illustrations, and the title obviously gives away its very positive view of Saladin and the Muslim faith.Given the publication date, it is not surprising that the book presents Muslims and their faith in a positive light; however, the book goes to the extreme in presenting Muslims as good and Christians as evil.Children in this age group are likely to be confused by this portrayal of their faith if they are Christians, while those of a Muslim background could very well see the current atrocities committed by Islamic jihadists as justified.Moreover, children at this age don't have the analytical skills to realize that there is more to the history of the Crusades than is presented here.In my opinion, this book may well be an excellent biography of Saladin, but given the age of the intended audience, the slant of the book gives an inappropriate message.

Great Book For Kids
It's a great book, pretty good for kids. The book did overlook the fact that Saladin was also a physician and chemist (or alchemist as they used to be called back then).
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Subjects:  1. 1137-1193    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Crusades    7. Egypt    8. History - Medieval    9. History - Middle East    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    13. Readers - Beginner    14. Saladin,    15. Sultan of Egypt and Syria,    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (1)

History that reads like a story
My 6 yr old son and 8 year old daughter paid close attention and enjoyed this book. My daughter enjoyed reading the bubble conversation; I read the text part. Nice illustrations - neither they nor the story was too dark as is sometimes a problem with historical fiction for this age. Sort of a Magic School Bus feel to it, with travel back in time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family - Multigenerational    5. Fiction    6. Frontier and pioneer life    7. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Overland journeys to the Pacific    11. Time travel    12. West (U.S.)    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Exploration & Discovery   

Reviews (2)

A very worthy true story with terrific illustrations
Fay Stanley's very worthy true story, "The Last Princess," is the tale of the life of Princess Ka'ilulani of Hawaii (or "Hawai'i" as it's more correctly spelled throughout the book).The book is illustrated by Fay Stanley's daughter, Diane Stanley, and this mother-daughter team has come up with a captivating and sad true story about a portion of history little of us know anything about. Educational, full of history and culture, nice pictures!
Gives children a real look at the history of Hawaii.A beautiful, sad and true story.Would like to buy a bunch more and give to children for gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1875-1899    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Hawaii    7. History - Other    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Kaiulani,    11. People & Places - Australia & Oceania    12. Princess of Hawaii,    13. Princesses    14. Women    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical    16. Kaiulani   

Reviews (1)

Good story book for little kids.
Good drawings and great story especially if your a little kid ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1787?-1828    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    5. Chaka,    6. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    7. Children: Grades 3-4    8. History    9. History - Africa    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Kings and rulers    13. Zulu (African people)    14. Zulu Chief,    15. Chaka    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Editorial Review

Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest artists of all time, wasnot exactly a noble and humble man. Irritable, arrogant, and impatient, hisperfectionism and expectations drove away many potential friends, and evenprovoked one would-be friend to hit him in the nose, crushing it "like abiscuit." However, what's truly important for us today is that this manultimately became an artistic genius, mastering the three arts of theRenaissance: sculpture, painting, and architecture. From his early years, whenhe created the Read more

Reviews (6)

easy to read biography for kids and adults alike
Michelangelo is an interesting look into the life of Renaissance superstar artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti from birth to death. Born in Italy March 6, 1475, Michelangelo was destined to become an artist and knew this is what he wanted from a young age.He was raised in various homes, by a nurse in the village of stonecutters and later in the home of the ruler of Venice, Lorenzo Medici who recognized his talent and brought him to live with him as his own sons. At the age of thirteen he begged his father to become a lowly artist's apprentice working in fresco for the time of three years.His true love was though not painting, but sculpture. Michelangelo eventually created some of the worlds' most famous art artworks including the sculpture of David and the painting inside the Sistine Chapel and worked on countless commissions for several popes and rulers trough out Italy.Many interesting facts that children will be sure to pick up on, including Michelangelo's work with corpses to study the human form and his feud with another Renaissance superstar Leonardo Da Vinci, keep this book interesting and exciting.
A Wonderful Biography of Michelangelo
Our homeschooling family is currently interested in studying art and artists.This book is very much about Michelangelo's personal life.I always think of the Sistine Chapel when I think of him, so it was nice to be reminded that he preferred sculpture.It did provide beautiful pictures of his works and just the major ones were covered.I thought this was perfect for beginning learners.The book was long for my 9 year old, but my 11 year old could sit through it easily and enjoyed it.A nice biography.

Entertaining for my five-year-old daughter
With popular culture grabbing my daughter's attention so powerfully, it was nice to have some high brow material that could compete with the Disney genre.My favorite part was when my girl asked, "Why doesn't God just stretch his finger a little more like this [stretched her finger] to touch Adam?"The whole book is a single bed time reading for a parent to a child.It reads a bit like a cliff hanger with the reader along for the ride through Michaelangelo's challenges and accomplishments. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1475-1564    2. Art - History    3. Artists    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Art    6. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    7. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    8. Children: Grades 3-4    9. History - Renaissance    10. Italy    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Michelangelo Buonarroti,    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Renaissance   

Reviews (4)

A Clever and Sweet Fractured Fairytale
In yet another parody of a well-known fairytale, Diane Stanley tells the classic Jack and the beanstalk story from the gentle giant's perspective.The Giant and the Beanstalk tells of Otto, a kind, loving soul whose favorite pet chicken is stolen.Otto is heartbroken and desperately begins to search for Jack and his hen.After encounters with nearly all the children's rhyme Jacks, Otto finds the correct Jack and makes a trade that leaves both parties quite happy.The giant world reexamines their values and learns from meek Otto's loving example.
The Giant and the Beanstalk
Clever.This new twist on Jack and the Beanstalk gives children the other point of view.Was the giant really mean and nasty?This book keeps the reader on his toes by painting the familar fairytale in another light.I like how the giant had to go through five other Jack characters to find the one who climbed the beanstalk.This would be a great book to share in a classroom who is already familar with the traditional story and nursery rhymes involving the Jack characters.This could create a great conversation.

Or "A tale of five or six Jacks"
If you like the Stinky Cheese Man, you will love this book.Now, at last, the untold story behind the well-known tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is finally revealed.No, the giant is not really a blood-thirsty monster who wants to eat Jack, and no, he doesn't have the hen because he is greedy.Otto is that rare, gentle giant (although possibly not the brigthest).
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Subjects:  1. Characters and characteristics    2. Characters in literature    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Humorous Retelling    6. Fiction    7. Giants    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Stanley, Diane    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

Summer in the Iron Age
Considering the popular "reality TV" shows, and the experiments of living in earlier times in programs like "Victorian House," this book should be flying off the shelves.It is the story of Ginny, a thirteen-year-old girl from Houston, whose parents are divorced.When her mother has to undergo chemotherapy, Ginny is sent to England, where her father is working at a university.Expecting to spend a comfortable summer in London as a visiting professor's daughter, Ginny is shocked to discover that she will join him at his "project" of living in a Celtic Iron Age village.If Ginny finds it hard to be enthusiastic about living with 14 strangers in one wattle and daub roundhouse, she is even less pleased with the primitive foods and her "job" as the baby sitter for 5-year-old Daisy.
Stay 'A Time Apart' away from this book
A Time Apart by Diane Stanley was by far one of the worst books I have ever read. It about a girl named Ginny who goes to live with her dad in London because her mom, back in Houston is sick with cancer. Her dad is a part of this Iron Age project where a group of people came together and lived as they did in the Iron Age where there were small huts, clay pots and stone tools. Most of the book is about her every day life on the project grounds. It is interesting at first, but after describing every day in her life on the project, every day is exactly the same. I did not like this book because it was slow moving, and was a story that could have been told in 30 pages, instead of 272 pages.

Loved it
I just finished A Time Apart and I loved it. It's about a girl named Ginny who is sent to live with her father in England while her mother recovers from cancer treatment.When she gets there, she finds out that she and her father will be living on a farm modeled after Iron Age villiages with no electricity, modern tools, or contact with the outside world.The book shows how she is slowly adapting to her new life and finding a different side to her father from the one she knew.I really enjoyed this book.I would recommend it kids/teens ages 11-14. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Family - Parents    4. Fathers and daughters    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Prehistory    7. Interpersonal relations    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mothers and daughters    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Parents   

Reviews (2)

Sure to kindle a new interest!
I handed this to my 11 year old son to read independently.I wasn't sure it would hold his interest since it lists the intended audience as much younger.However, he finished it one sitting, brought it back to me and said, "Before I read other history books, I want to read more about Peter the Great!"What more could one ask of a book?Now to try to find something that takes that next step...
Just a great book!
I learned so much from this book.It is absorbing and I would love to share it with my students.Peter the Great is a very interesting figure and I wish I had been introduced to him earlier in my life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1672-1725    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Emperor of Russia,    8. History - Europe    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Kings and rulers    12. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    13. Peter    14. Russia    15. Early learning / early learning concepts    16. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    17. Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe)    18. Historical figures    19. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

good at telling how if felt to be there at the first Thanksgiving
This is a nicely illustrated history lesson in simple story format. Two kids time-travel with their grandmother to Plymouth Plantation and while there, see and experience how it felt at the time. Pages are chock full of extra tidbits. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Family - Siblings    4. Fiction    5. Historical - United States - Colonial    6. Historical - United States - General    7. History    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Thanksgiving    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony)    11. Plymouth (Mass.)    12. Stanley, Diane    13. Thanksgiving Day    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / Colonial & Revolutionary Periods   

Reviews (4)

A Child's (or Beginner's) Introduction to Cleopatra
This book isn't a history or academic work. In fact, it's a picture book designed for children ages 7 and up. However, that should not suggest that it's not worth a read even for adults as an introduction to the life and times of Cleopatra, Antony, and the fall of the Roman Republic. The author presents a detailed, fact-based account of the queen's life, including pertinent and amazingly helpful references and quotations from Plutarch's histories. No fictional flourishes were added to richen the story, and though sometimes opinion slips in in a description of a descision or event, the story is very unassuming and true to historical evidence and generally accepted fact.
brilliantly illustrated history
Diane's Stanley's illustrations are masterful, incredibly detailed, and wonderfully expressive; every page (except for the two useful maps) is covered with either spreads that have been delicately painted to look like tile work, as can be seen on the marvelous cover, or has large and intricate paintings, with so much in its compositions that one can look at them repeatedly and find new things to admire.
This is a fact filled, beautifully illustrated history.
My son borrowed this book from the school library and loved it so much we're buying it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    3. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    4. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Cleopatra,    9. Egypt    10. History - Ancient    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Kings, queens, rulers, etc    14. People & Places - General    15. Queen of Egypt,    16. Queens    17. Women    18. d. 30 B.C    19. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    20. Ancient World    21. Biography: historical    22. Cleopatra    23. History    24. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (2)

A book you and your kids will love
I wish all biographies were this interesting ... whether they're written for adults or for kids.My 9-year-old daughter was studying the Industrial Revolution and this book was suggested as an optional assignment.We had a great time reading it together.It is so well written and beautifully illustrated, I don't think she realized she was learning!But later that evening she talked her daddy's ear off with all she'd learned about the life of Charles Dickens (it covers his childhood, his first love, his marriage and children -- lots of children! -- his writing career, his fame, his travels, and his death).The book also served to help her see what the effects of the industrial revolution were on the regular folks of London.I will look into all the other books that these authors have written.

the book review
i thought this book was really good.its a biography about the life of charles dickens.it would be great for younger kids to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1812-1870    2. 19th century    3. Authors, English    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    6. Biography & Autobiography - Literary    7. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    9. Children: Grades 3-4    10. Dickens, Charles,    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Juvenile literature    13. Novelists, English    14. Dickens, Charles    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

The children's classic "Rumpelstiltskin" undergoes an attitudeupdate in Read more

Reviews (8)

best book ever
I loved this story. I still cry sometimes as I read the ending. the artwork is fun and interesting to look at. The story is about how this clever girl teaches the king about how he can find happiness by helping out his people instead of focusing on making more gold. I love reading this to my little girl. She is 18 months and asks for it. I don't know how much of it she gets but I certainly think children younger than 4 can really enjoy this book.

Well illustrated children's story
This children's story is 29 un-numbered pages in a large format.The cover size is 9 x 12 inches.It is well illustated with large, full-color illustrations.