Da Vinci (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists) - Softcover

Mike Venezia is the author of several nonfiction books for children.

Grade 2-5-- Another addition to a series in which Venezia introduces children to artists, illustrating his points with a combination of his own cartoons and the artist's work. The information is basic and limited, containing no more biographic data than an encyclopedia article. However, the light touch, combined with well-chosen examples, does make it attractive and personable. The cartoons are a bit jarring, but should appeal to children while reinforcing some of the more interesting aspects of da Vinci's life. The book indicates, but does not cover, the work he did as an inventor, architect, scientist, sculptor, etc. While not particularly useful for reports, it serves as an introduction to the artist who used his knowledge of nature to make his paintings seem alive. Many of Venezia's comments about the paintings are general rather than specific. For instance, he states that the special way da Vinci placed the men around the table in The Last Supper "gives them a feeling of movement," but offers no further explanation. Ernest Raboff's Leonardo da Vinci (Lippincott, 1987) gives more detailed analysis of such points and is more challenging and perceptive, but this is a useful first look for younger children. --Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public Library
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