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Lifelines: Leonardo Da Vinci

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Young Paolo Valenti could not believe his luck: he had secured an apprenticeship in Milan with the celebrated inventor, artist, and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo had already developed an impressive reputation for his intellect and artistic talent, enabling him to earn hefty commissions from the well-to-do in Milan, including the Duke and his court. His earnings, in turn, allowed him to hire a cadre of apprentices, including Paolo, to help with his work as they learned their trade. With new skills to learn, Leonardo's unusual ideas and hot temper, rumored visits to the morgue, and another apprentice who seemed more a rascal than a help, the days never wanted for excitement.

Steve Augarde complements his informative text with engaging illustrations and splendid photographic reproductions to make Leonardo's insight and artistry accessible to young readers. The format of describing da Vinci's story through the diary entries of a young apprentice works extremely well in stimulating children's interest in Leonardo's contributions. This book should prove a valuable resource for teaching children about how innovation and creative thinking lead to new ways of doing things and a higher standard of living.

"Leonardo Da Vinci" is a fine viewing of the many talents and works of the famous Renaissance artist/inventor from the viewpoint of his new apprentice, Paolo. Descriptions of common studio tasks and activities, working and living and conditions, and specific joys and challenges of life in 1490's Milan fill this imaginative and accurately researched book. "Leonardo Da Vinci" is also enriched by many reproductions of drawings and artworks in progress attributed to the artist, in addition to many other illustrations of Paolo's daily life as his apprentice. "Leonard Da Vinci" will appeal to children ages 8-13.