Leonardo da Vinci for Kids

Starred review from April 1, 1999
Gr 4-8-A lively biography of the ultimate Renaissance man. Herbert describes Leonardo's life while also providing a good deal of historical information about Italy and background about art. She explains how Leonardo used the artistic techniques and materials available during his lifetime, as well as his own unique ideas, to create masterpieces. However, youngsters will also gain insight into Leonardo as a scientist, inventor, and humanist. Presented for consideration are his detailed sketches of human anatomy (the first of their kind), maps drawn from a bird's-eye view, and designs for such things as diving suits and hang gliders that weren't invented until hundreds of years later. A few projects are also included. Youngsters can make a kite based on Leonardo's drawing of a parachute, cook up his favorite meal of minestrone soup, or grow a Renaissance herb garden. The high-quality reproductions of the artist's sketches and paintings coupled with an interesting text give readers a full picture of this truly amazing man. A list of related Web sites is included.-Michele Snyder, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

March 1, 1999
Gr. 4^-8. Herbert incorporates biography, art techniques and history, world history, science, philosophy, and crafts into one neat package. The elements are woven together using the story of da Vinci's life as the overall background. This can be annoying when a reader trying to follow Leonardo's biography is interrupted by a panel with information on a related subject. However, the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Activities, which will sometimes require adult assistance, are clearly labeled and include everything from making minestrone soup and building a lute to trying some of da Vinci's mental exercises. The background information on subjects such as the plague, machines, and perspective gives readers a remarkably complete picture of both the artist and the time in which he lived. Thoroughly illustrated and well-designed, this is a fine puchase that rises above the current bounty of available books on the subject. ((Reviewed March 1, 1999))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1999, American Library Association.)