What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mona Lisa Caper
The Mona Lisa Caper is based on true events that began to unfold on Monday, August 21, 1911, when Vincenzo Perugia shocked the world by stealing the most famous of the many treasures in the Louvre.
Though Vincenzo was a thief, he meant well. He simply wanted to return the painting to the Italian people in the mistaken belief that it had been stolen from them. Eventually, inevitably, Vincenzo was captured in Florence and put on trial. Italians gave him their hearts for his patriotism. In fact, he received so much food, wine, clothing, and furniture, that he had to be moved to a larger cell!
Throughout Rick Jacobson’s lively text, Mona Lisa herself narrates the story of her trip back to the city of her creation. The playful art Rick has painted along with his wife, Laura Fernandez, heightens the fun. Not only is it Keystone-Cops funny, it is a sound introduction to the painting that continues to delight, amaze, and mystify hundreds of years after Leonardo da Vinci’s death.
Though Vincenzo was a thief, he meant well. He simply wanted to return the painting to the Italian people in the mistaken belief that it had been stolen from them. Eventually, inevitably, Vincenzo was captured in Florence and put on trial. Italians gave him their hearts for his patriotism. In fact, he received so much food, wine, clothing, and furniture, that he had to be moved to a larger cell!
Throughout Rick Jacobson’s lively text, Mona Lisa herself narrates the story of her trip back to the city of her creation. The playful art Rick has painted along with his wife, Laura Fernandez, heightens the fun. Not only is it Keystone-Cops funny, it is a sound introduction to the painting that continues to delight, amaze, and mystify hundreds of years after Leonardo da Vinci’s death.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2005
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 24, 2025
I risk being overly scathing for a children's book; but I'm a critical reader and I love children's books, so I can't help it. This is the (true) story of the theft of the Mona Lisa, told from the perspective of Mona Lisa herself. The main takeaway from the story is that she liked being stolen, and the thief was her best friend. I get it, but it's a garbage take for a children's book. The art is beautiful though! 2 stars for the illustrations!
July 17, 2020
This my favorite book of all I have written so far.
March 7, 2012
A fun story (for children about age seven plus) about how the Mona Lisa was stolen, and the adventures she had on her way to, and in Italy (where she was recovered and sent back to the Louvre)--from the painting's perspective.
August 12, 2013
It's a great way to put history for little ones. I especially liked the idea of putting a voice to a painting, it was entertaining. :)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews