From Publishers Weekly
Anholt (Camille and the Sunflowers) continues his imaginative series about great artists with this cleverly executed and engaging account of one of Leonardo da Vinci's real-life apprentices. When Leonardo tells Zoro that one day "people will sail through the clouds and look down at the world below," the boy believes him. After all, "anything seemed possible in Leonardo's busy studio." But when Zoro and Salai, a mischievous urchin Leonardo has taken in (also seen in Guido Visconti and Bimba Landmann's The Genius of Leonardo, reviewed Sept. 18), sneak into their master's secret workshop and take his flying machine for a spin, there's trouble ahead. The story is relayed with verve, and the spry colored-pencil drawings that detail Zoro's escapades boast numerous comic touches (such as Leonardo nearly tripping over his oversize red slippers in his haste to get back to his studio when struck by inspiration) and sly references to Leonardo's body of work (backward writing on the endpapers; copies of his botanical drawings, inventions and character studies; even a Mona Lisa reproduction). A fun-filled and accessible introduction to one of science and art history's most fascinating figures. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-A rather slight story about two of the boys who worked in Leonardo's studio and workshops. The book is enlivened by Anholt's paintings and drawings, but especially enhanced by some of Leonardo's own sketchbook illustrations. Salai, a street urchin the artist seems to have been inexplicably attached to, is irrepressibly amoral and persuades the normally diligent and trustworthy Zoro to enter the inventor's secret workshop, lug his flying machine to a hilltop, and launch himself into the air. The resultant flight is very short and the landing is very hard. This incident is apparently documented and Anholt's slim volume may whet children's interest in the fascinating man.-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
