Cleopatra: 'Serpent of the Nile'    by Mary Fisk Pack & Peter Malone Order:  USA  Can Goosebottom Books, 2011 (2011) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Cleopatra was born in 69 B.C.in Alexandria to the royal Ptolemy family. Located on the Mediterranean, Alexandria was a trade center, so beautiful it cast a spell over visitors from all over the world. Alexandria was also a center for intellectuals and Cleopatra studied literature, history, science, medicine, mathematics and philosophy with the best tutors. Not only was she brilliant and accomplished, she was also charming and beautiful. She spoke many languages and was able to communicate with the diverse population attracted from all over the world. When Cleopatra was eighteen her father died and, as was the custom with royalty at that time, Cleopatra married her ten-year-old brother, Ptolemy XIII. As the elder, Cleopatra immediately attempted to grab power and was exiled by her brother and his followers to the desert. Cleopatra survived exile, raised a small army and returned to Egypt to regain her throne. Cleopatra's life makes an interesting read. As royalty, she dressed in the finest clothes, wore priceless jewelry and was treated like a Goddess, but the intrigue within the courts kept her in danger and she died before her time. Side bars include interesting information about the times and beliefs. Pictures include the art that resulted from this era. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews