Leonardo da Vinci

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA
Leonardo da Vinci

Written and Illustrated by Diane Stanley

Published by Morrow Junior Books

Published 1996

ISBN 0-688-10437-1

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The life and times of one of the great Italian artists and inventors is chronicled in this biography by Diane Stanley. Important contibution da Vinci made to the art world are included as well as background information concerning the art. Colorful, detailed illustrations that incorporate some of da Vinci's art help to transport the reader to the Italian Renaissance as they read about this extraordinary man's life.

3. CRITICAL ANANLYSIS
I am ashamed to admit it, but prior to reading this book, much of what I knew about da Vinci was from reading Dan Brown's THE DA VINCI CODE. This book helped to fill in the gaps. I learned many interesting facts about the man who is mainly remembered for his art, especially the Mona Lisa. While I did know that he was quite an inventor, I did not have any idea how far ahead of his time he was with many of his ideas. Stanley shares many sides of this interesting man in her biography. The writing is descriptive as are the detailed illustrations. I particularly liked how Stanley included many of da Vinci's paintings into her illustrations. This helped the reader become familar with da Vinci's style and art work. Not only does the reader learn about da Vinci's life, but they learn to identy much of his artwork through the illustrations.

I also liked how Stanley's biography of da Vinci had a "story like" feel to the reader. The introduction was inviting, "In the spring of 1452, Antonio da Vinci, aged eighty, took out a leather-bound volume." This hooks the reader into the story of da Vinci's life and draws them into his intriguing life story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
*From School Library Journal--"The text is readable and interesting; the authour is careful to distinguish between facts and surmises, and uses quotes from Leonardo's own writing to demonstrate his attitudes."
*From Booklist--"Well researched, intelligently written, and beautifully illustrated, this is the best of the many children's books on Leonardo."

5. CONNECTIONS
*The illustrations could be used to introduce students to some of Leonardo's artwork.
*Pair this book with LEONARDO'S HORSE by Jean Fritz to expose students to the full story regarding da Vinci's attempt to sculpt a statue of Francesco Sforza.