Leonardo, the Beautiful Dreamer

by Robert Byrd

Book Overview

Famous in his time as a painter, prankster, and philosopher, Leonardo da Vinci was also a musician, sculptor, and engineer for dukes, popes, and kings. What remains of his work-from futuristic designs and scientific inquiry to artwork of ethereal beauty-reveals the ambitious, unpredictable brilliance of a visionary, and a timeless dreamer. Robert Byrd celebrates this passionate, playful genius in a glowing picture book replete with the richness and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525470336
• ISBN13: 9780525470335
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 12.4"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

Leonardo

What a great book and so fun. The artwork and presentation are so appealing. Teacher-Librarian

One of the really nice book

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the author did a wonderful job making this book a fun one to read. His illustrations though cartoons and caricature are very neat. I read few other books on Leonardo besides that and I could see that Robert Byrd packed a lot of information in this thin book.It will appeal not only to children but to any age. If you are being introduced to Leonardo for the first time make sure you start with this one, if you already know about him you will appreciate the author for doing a fine work in telling his story in so few pages. It could also be a wonderful gift to somebody.

A beautiful book

This story is beautifully illustrated and told. Lots of interesting facts about the man, his life and his work. My 8 year old daughter is enjoying it. The language level and some of the concepts are a bit too difficult for my 5 year old, but the pictures have captured her interest.

Well-rounded portrait of a brilliant artist and inventor

This lavishly illustrated picture book biography of Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci paints a well-rounded portrait of the painter, inventor and philosopher who dabbled in everything from astronomy to weaponry. It is also timely; with the tremendous success of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code (Doubleday, 2003), Leonardo has never been a more fascinating figure. Born in the Italian countryside, Leonardo had a curious eye and artistic hand from the start. These two qualities emerged in each endeavor he undertook, from painting and sculpting to writing observations and drawings in his notebooks to playing practical jokes and creating quirky mechanical toys for the aristocracy. Byrd's authority of and passion for his subject is evident in his thorough research and detailed drawings. Each themed two-page spread covers a period of Leonardo's life, and is headed with a caption that brings all the pieces together. Small sections of quotes and additional information box in the main narrative on each page. The wonderful illustrations have a comics styling to them. Each page is dominated by a large color drawing set off by smaller sepia toned maps, reproductions and pictures. The end papers are filed with quotes in what looks like da Vinci's own hand. An author's note, annotated timeline, and extensive bibliography are appended. Recommended for public school and library collections serving students in grades 4-8; great cross-curriculum potential.

A FASCINATING INTRODUCTION FOR YOUNG READERS

There could hardly be a more fascinating or beautiful way to introduce young readers to a man who is arguably one of the greatest geniuses the world has ever known, Leonardo da Vinci. As an artist in the field of children's book illustrations, Mr. Byrd has few peers. As an author, deft at reaching young minds, he is an expert. From da Vinci's birth throughout his remarkable life readers are allowed to trace his accomplishments. Much of this data is gleaned from da Vinci's personal notes which are still available today. We learn of his childhood fascination with flying, and his observation of a kite, a bird that glides apparently without effort. It seems that from boyhood onward he took great delight in nature and its study. In his early teens da Vinci joined his father in Florence where he would spend a dozen years in Verrochio's workshop. He learned much from the renowned sculptor. From Florence he traveled to Milan where he enjoyed the patronage of a wealthy duke, and was asked to paint the Last Supper. His fame spread. Today, some 500 years after his death, philosophers and artists from throughout the world continue to look to this amazing genius. Author's notes, and a timeline are included. - Gail Cooke