Monday, January 15, 2018

Agrimbau, Diego Leonardo Da Vinci

           

Agrimbau, Diego        Leonardo Da Vinci     Calkins Creek (Boyd's Mills)            2018   112p   31.99  978-1-5157-9163-8            elm/ms            Graphic novel            VG-BNS           

Graphic novel biography of Leonardo da Vinci.  It tells how he developed from an apprentice to master painter and sculptor.  Also shows some of his many other interests in science and engineering.  Grades 4-8.         
This title calls itself an unofficial biography.  In graphic novel format, it takes Leonardo from childhood through his life.  He serves as an apprentice to Verrocchio where he dreams of making his own paintings. He uses cadavers to study anatomy.  As his sponsors changed, he moved from Florence to Milan to Venice and back to Florence.  His technique and search for perfection caused him to spend years on an individual painting.  His disappointments as well as his achievements are related.
  This story is told as if Leonardo is telling about his life to his apprentice Salai.  This allows the story to proceed forward and backwards in time, rather that a straight life progression.  Regret is expressed over unfinished works and failed projects.
  The illustrations are integral to the story.  It is easy to follow the action and the drawings clearly show the story. The choice of colors evoke a pensive mood or at the least, times past.  The text is clear with good contrast to the background.
  A timeline, some historic background, glossary, discussion questions and writing prompts are included.  The discussion of Leonardo in movies mostly addresses the Teenage Mutant Turtles.  This is superfluous.  The index is rudimentary as are the suggestions to read more about Leonardo. 
  This title would give readers a general outline of the life of Leonardo da Vinci in a readily accessible format.  Reluctant readers are more likely to pick up a graphic novel than a wordy tome.  The information is given in sufficient detail to give a good picture of his life.  Grades 4-8.            Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Stories (Capstone)        Graphic Lives includes four titles.  Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis and Leonardo da Vinci.  Good introductory biographies for grades 4-8.       Theal, Joan           Leonardo Da Vinci

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