Part of the Usborne series of illustrated biographies, Marie Antoinette is a colourfully illustrated and sympathetically written tour through the figure’s early life until her death by guillotine. Unlike some of the more text-heavy or mature theme biographies in the series (Leonardo de Vinci, 2007; Anne Frank, 2006; Martin Luther King, 2006), Marie Antoinette balances well written flowing prose with rich period-inspired illustrations that depict the beauty and decadence of mid to late 18th century. Suitable for children age six to nine and up, Marie Antoinette explores in a sympathetic light her early years being groomed for marriage to Prince Louis, son of the King of France. Author Dayness and illustrator Mistry continue their sympathetic portrayal as they detail the tragic events of her reign and her eventual execution during the French Revolution. As a whole the bibliography is well researched in its details but appears unbalanced in its entirely sympathetic depiction of the life Marie Antoinette.

1799