Leonardo and the Flying Boy: A Story about Leonardo da Vinci

This latest book in Anholt's series about the lives and work of great artists seen through the eyes of children brings across the sheer range and depth of Leonardo da Vinci's genius. It tells an exciting story which includes the discovery of a secret invention- Leonardo's flying machine-and the drama of a crash when two apprentices try to fly it. Children aged about 8 to 10 years will enjoy the exceptionally powerful drawings and reproductions of Leonardo's and reproductions of Leonard's work which accompany the fast moving narrative. The author is also the illustrator-so it is not surprising that there is an excellent matching of the visual and the verbal here. Some teachers may not feel entirely comfortable with the rather curious genre-a story is woven round some skeletal facts. But the approach is not unlike that in historical novels for all age groups. And there is an excellent biography of the artist at the back, putting the events described in the story in a helpful context. Many will feel it is very helpful to see events through the eyes of a child. This book encourages children to understand that human beings can have a creative vision and reach out to change things. So here is an inspirational book to read at home or in school.