Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia
May 2026

ISBN: 9781460766545

RRP: $16.99

A new book from Jackie French is always exciting. When it heralds a new series even more so. And to top it off, I was able to read it and write notes for it, which was so cool especially as, some months ago, Jackie and I had some conversation about the subject as she was deep in the writing.

We certainly both agreed that those of us ,especially, of a certain vintage thinking of Cleopatra would pretty much immediately bring a beautiful Elizabeth Taylor to mind – while all the time knowing just how unrealistic that glamorous portrayal was. Even if we have a real interest in the ancient world and its notable figures, as we have read or watched far more historically accurate books/documentaries Cleopatra still remains largely a mystery. That in itself is interesting given her prominence in the ancient world and history.

Jackie doesn’t pretend that this is definitive history of the young Cleopatra but rather makes some plausible conjectures as to the trials and turmoil of her childhood that might have led to her success and achievements in the highest role of her country and culture.

I loved this excursion into the ancient world with the possibility of the child princess being ‘tutored’ by the young Julia, wife of Pompey, when after her sister seizes the throne, Cleopatra escapes her country along with her father hoping to raise an army with the aid of the Roman general.

Well read, bright, determined and, above all, fiercely protective of her country and people, Cleopatra’s commitment to becoming Pharoah guides her through the many obstacles she comes up against, including pirates and near-misses.

It’s an adventure that young readers will relish from start to finish, whether the period of history is one of their interests or not. There is a lot to be unpacked about the role of women in history as well as the civilisations that helped to shape the modern world, in both society and geography.

Needless to say I loved it, and am honoured to have played a small part in its release. It’s an elegant 5 𓂀𓋹𓁈𓅓𓆣 rating for this slice of deliciousness for readers from around Year 4 to Year 7.