Tibaldo and the Hole in the Calendar

by Abner Shimony, Jonathan Shimony (Illustrator)

The story of how an eleven-year old boy growing up in 16th century Italy loses his birthday when the Gregorian calendar replaces the Julian calendar in 1582, and how he fights to prevent this loss. The author cleverly weaves elements of the cultural and scientific milieu of the time into an engaging and intelligent tale. Tibaldos father is a medical assistant, and his sister is a midwife. Thus, the boy grows up learning about current medical practices and his fascination for medicine makes him a fast learner. Then, when Tibaldo learns that he is about to lose his 13th birthday, he determines to do something about it. The result is both amusing and informative.

Genres: History

177 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1997

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story that I can only call historical fiction subcategory science, since science fiction means an entirely different genre. I would have given this book a higher rating were it not for a few copy edits and for the science-based afterwards that was not nearly as clearly written as the novel itself. An interesting read for all ages.

[Katie Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book out loud to my kids probably five times and I enjoy it more every time!

[Isra&Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it an interesting book that is suitable for teaching kids how to observe the natural world. Even though I'm not a kid I still found it entertaining and readable, read in french for practice.

[Salsabrarian]

Interesting historical fiction about the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Pope Gregory has officially declared that 10 days must be dropped from the year 1582 in order to accommodate the new calendar. This concerns Tibaldo, a poor Italian boy, who, with the financial support of his father’s boss, Professor Turisamus, attends the prestigious St. Joseph-in-the-Corner School in Bologna. If the 10 days are dropped, Tibaldo’s birthday will be lost. He is so concerned that he actually wangles an audience with the Pope to discuss it. The avuncular tone of the narrative makes the book a very readable account of the thoughts and beliefs in the Middle Ages regarding astronomy, astrology, and medicine. Italy. “Calendars are only human instruments for keeping track of days.â€

[LaSchelle]

About the conversion to the Julian calendar