This large-sized biography is very reader friendly with wonderful illustrations by M.P. Robertson. The information is provided through short entries in the diary of Nefret, Cleopatra's young handmaid. Nefret describes what life was like for her before she worked in the palace and after. She tells of what is going on in the life of the queen as well. The reader learns of Cleopatra's relationship with the Romans, particularly Julius Caesar. In her diary, Nefret does mention her own family and friends, but it is obvious how as a royal servant her life centered on her queen, Cleopatra. A section at the end of the book includes Cleopatra's family tree, maps, time-lines, glossary and more specific information relating to the time period. The cover will grab the attention of many children with the sparkling jewels. Robertson's illustrations will keep their attention the rest of the way.
Fowl Play By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2024. Fiction 277 pages. Still reeling from her beloved uncle's death, Chloe Alvarez is comforted and confused when at his last will and testament reading, Uncle Will gifts her his African Grey parrot, Charlie. Charlie has a robust vocabulary and loves to make Alexa requests for her favorite songs, but when she starts saying things like, "homicide," and "cyanide," Chloe becomes convinced that Uncle Will may have met his demise by murder instead of a genetic disease, as was previously thought. Ultimately, bringing in her brother, Grammy, and Uncle Frank (and of course Charlie,) Chloe's ragtag and adoring family support her search for answers ---going on stakeouts, engaging in fast pursuits, and searching for clues. But as the suspects stack up and the mystery grows, Chole will learn that the process of death and grieving is complicated, and in the end her Uncle Will's words that, ...

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