Botticelli's Apprentice: A Graphic Novel – An Illustrated Tale of Renaissance Italy and an Ambitious Girl's Courage for Kids

by Ursula Murray Husted

This funny, empowering graphic novel from rising star Ursula Murray Husted is a gorgeously illustrated glimpse into the forgotten history of Renaissance Italy, following an ambitious young girl's quest to become an apprentice to the famous Sandro Botticelli. 

Life as a chicken girl isn’t so bad, but Mella wants more. Though girls can’t be official apprentices to artists in Florence, Mella has been secretly teaching herself to paint while tending to artist Sandro Botticelli’s chickens.

When one of Botticelli’s actual apprentices discovers Mella’s work, he threatens to take full credit for it. Why does it matter who drew it if it’s good?

With the help of unexpected allies, an important patron, and a tenacious stray dog named Blue, Mella must summon all her courage, smarts, and skills to prove her worth and demand the recognition she deserves.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Art, Historical, Comics, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade graphic novel historical fiction takes place during the Renaissance, but the story of a girl who faces gender discrimination is timeless. Girls can not be official apprentices in Florence, but Mella longs to work on paintings instead of doing chores. When a talentless apprentice take credit for her drawings, Mella must find a way to stand up for herself. The story is empowering, and the art is absolutely delightful. Husted's backgrounds are so detailed that the reader feels like they are actually in Florence. The book will entertain young girls looking for a strong female protagonist or any child who likes stories with an underdog. But the book also educates as well as entertains. I learned a lot of art history from this story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed reading Botticelli's Apprentice! The story follows a young girl desperate to become an artist, but set aside despite her talent because of her gender. There are some fun antics with a "good dog that makes bad choices," and as someone currently living with one of those, I very much related to Mella's struggles. This is actually surprisingly rich historical fiction though. The details of art history are incredibly in depth, and actually go over a lot of how art was made in Renaissance Italy step by step. There is a glossary at the start to help with the Italian words, and details notes at the end that cover more historical information, and additional reading resources. The ending is really satisfying as well.

While the style of art on the faces isn't really my cup of tea (but is clearly a stylistic choice and one that will appeal to plenty of kids), I found a lot of the scenery and animal art to be especially beautiful. The book is broken into three "books," and each one has a two-page title page spread which are absolutely gorgeous.

Kids who love history, art, and art history will be delighted by this excellent historical fiction graphic novel. Recommended!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it didn’t quite work for me. That said, I think children will enjoy it and may not be as bothered by the issues I had. The historical aspects are fantastic—the back matter on the Renaissance, the process of making canvases, brushes, and murals, and the challenges faced by women artists of the time are all fascinating.

However, two things pulled me out of the story: the artwork and the overall tone of the characters' interactions. The art style felt rushed to me, and the faces seemed somewhat amateurish—perhaps it was a stylistic choice, but it wasn’t my favorite. Additionally, there was so much arguing and crying that it distracted from the plot rather than enhancing it.

I had high hopes for this book, and while it wasn’t for me, I imagine young readers might connect with it more.

[Skjam! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandro Botticelli actually has several apprentices, from senior apprentice Nino to rookie Datus. But the person we’re concerned with here is Mella, the chicken girl. Her duties include feeding and tending the chickens and collecting their eggs to make tempera paint with. She also cleans paintbrushes and does other small chores around the studio. Mella dreams of becoming an artist herself someday, starting by being Botticelli’s apprentice.

Mella’s got a certain amount of talent, already being pretty good at drawing sketches. But in Florence in the Fifteenth Century, girls aren’t allowed to be apprenticed to artists, so few people outside her immediate family have ever seen her work.

One day, during a busy time when all the apprentices are busy, Nino entrusts Mella with purchasing crushed lapis lazuli for pigment. Along the way, she winds up adopting a stray dog. Although she is canny enough to not be cheated by the merchant, Mella fails to secure the stone dust carefully, and the dog eats half of it. (This results in the dog getting named “Blue.”) This causes Nino to decide that Mella should not be given more access to apprentice duties.

However, Botticelli sees Blue, decide that he wants the animal added to the fresco he’s painting at the Vatican, and assigns that task to Nino, who then delegates it to Datus. Datus hasn’t had any drawing lessons yet, so does miserably on the base sketch, then when he spots drawings that Mella has done, passes them off as his own. Even with those as a guide, his painting of the dog is…bad.

But the damage has already been done. Datus is now considered someone who can draw, and can’t admit he stole the sketches. Nor can Mella, who’s only the chicken girl, publicly claim her work. This understandably sours their relationship.

Botticelli’s studio is then invited by the wealthy Mona Rossa to participate in a painting contest. The master is distracted by his father’s death, and delegates the basic painting to the apprentices, and the job lands on Datus. He must swallow his pride and ask for assistance from Mella. But in a time and place where she can’t be recognized for her artistic talents, is it even worthwhile for Mella to help out?

This book is a children’s historical fiction graphic novel. As the author explains in a detailed afterword, relatively little is known about Botticelli’s life, so there’s considerable wiggle room to put in a story like this.

The art is cartoony, and it’s easy to remember which character is which. Mella is your typical plucky girl protagonist, talented but held back by social expectations, and keenly feeling the injustice of her position. Datus is well-meaning, but in over his head and willing to take unethical shortcuts. He improves over the course of the story.

Botticelli himself appears relatively little, being busy off page, so the most important adult character is Mona Rossa. She’s a widow, which allows her freedom to conduct her own affairs as administrator of her late husband’s estate. It’s a bit lonely, but marrying again would make her subordinate to her new husband and no longer able to make her own decisions.

There’s a fair amount of time devoted to showing how paintings are made, from the making of panels to getting the polishing just right.

A particularly fun sequence is when Datus and Mella visit the crowded and noisy workshop of his family, with multiple conversations going on at the same time in the cramped quarters. It’s a good contrast to the relatively spacious and quiet panels of the rest of the story.

The ending is bittersweet. Some rules can’t be so easily changed, but Mella is able to get recognized for her talent and allowed to pursue her gift.

Content note: Period institutional sexism, a bird dies. Other deaths are discussed. Kids about ten and up should be fine, younger readers may need some things explained.

There’s a glossary at the beginning to explain some art terms and Italian words, and an extensive afterword that discusses topics brought up in the story and suggests further reading.

I found the book quite good. Recommended for budding artists and art history buffs alike.

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mella wants to paint and be an apprentice to a painter like Master Botticelli. But the artist’s guild says that girls are not allowed to be apprentices, that they can only wash brushes or grind pigment. When Botticelli’s actual apprentice takes Mella’s sketches and claims them as his own, Mella is mad at first, but then decides to use this opportunity to her advantage. She agrees to help him finish a painting, but only if he teaches her what he knows about being an artist. Can she then use this knowledge to prove that a girl can be an artist too?

A super cute mid-grade graphic novel about a girl following her dream, even when other’s say that girls can’t. The historical research is great, and I love all the tidbits explaining how the art was created. And the characters were quite relatable, especially Mella as she fought to prove herself.

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great historical graphic novel and I loved the illustrations they were great. This was a really fast read and I really liked the interaction between Mella and Datus the official apprentice to the apprentice of Botticelli and how they formed a mutually beneficial arrangement between them where Datus teachs Mella what he is learning as an apprentice and Mella teaches him how to draw since he is really bad at it and lets him use her drawings as inspiration. I really enjoyed the actual art facts in the end of the book that explain renaissance Italy and Botticelli and how Mella finally got the recognition she deserved for her drawing and while she can’t be an apprentice, she ends up painting without having to be an apprentice.

Thanks to Quill Tree Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is not a "perfect five" (there are a few things I was not 100% liking (sorry Blue, you're cute, but OMG what a problem pup!) it is almost there. There this is not a "girl wants to paint because hello, "girl" story" but a story about the time, the art, painting, learning, friendship, the love of art vs. credit. It is a cute, cozy and fun story. The extras at the end centers the fictional story in time and place, giving more of the details of what was historically happening and art itself. Read via an online reader copy.

[Barb reads......it ALL! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant! I came away from this delight of a graphic novel with a new understanding of Renaissance artists' apprentices. They were the unsung backbone of the artist, preparing paints and surfaces for the paint, often times drawing/painting a portion of the master's work.
Mella & Datus develop a friendship based on sharing of their individual gifts.

[Emma Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can tell that so much work went into making this book — the artistic details, historical references, and complex scenes. No content that would be inappropriate for children. Highly recommend for anyone who likes art and medieval history! I didn’t like the main character much because she is rather dramatic. But the other characters make it more well- rounded.

[Megan Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I think I would have enjoyed it more if pacing wasn’t so strange. HOWEVER, you learn SO MUCH about art during the renaissance and it’s so cool.

[Bibliobites Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So well done, highly recommend. A fun supplement to tie in with medieval history or art history.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read. I didn't realise it was for 8-12yo when I bought it, but this adult enjoyed it and learnt something about painting too. Good notes at the end of the book too.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readers, especially young artists, will enjoy this glimpse into Renaissance art and how it was created. Blue, a stray dog, was a nuisance to the story and not comedic as the author seemed to have intended.

[Faith Elizabeth Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorite thing about having high schoolers is the way that when I take the time to dive into their passions, I find my own expanding. Case in point: graphic novels. I have always generally enjoyed graphic novels, but my oldest daughter’s deep dive into the world of comics and sequential art has led me to a much greater appreciation for this art form (and it has subsequently influenced my own writing). So I found myself a month ago, scrolling through possible books to review on Netgalley, suddenly shouting to my daughter in delight: “Hey, Lucy, guess what? Scott McCloud endorsed this new graphic novel! It must be pretty good, at least from an art standpoint.”

Scott McCloud (I will explain to those of you like the me of two years ago) is basically Yoda of the comics world. He has studied everything about the topic, analyzed it at every level, and stepped up to train all the young comics Jedis in his ways. His books Understanding Comics and Making Comics are the textbooks par excellence of the graphic novel world. Through studying them, my daughter has come to have—and share with me, at some level—a deep understanding of the art form: what makes it work, and what makes it great.

And Boticelli’s Apprentice is definitely one of the good ones—I mean, it already has an endorsement from Yoda, but I’ll throw in my two cents from the storytelling side of things as well. 

Here’s what the publisher has to say:
Life as a chicken girl isn’t so bad, but Mella wants more. Though girls can’t be official apprentices to artists in Florence, Mella has been secretly teaching herself to paint while tending to artist Sandro Botticelli’s chickens.
When one of Botticelli’s actual apprentices discovers Mella’s work, he threatens to take full credit for it. Why does it matter who drew it if it’s good?
With the help of unexpected allies, an important patron, and a tenacious stray dog named Blue, Mella must summon all her courage, smarts, and skills to prove her worth and demand the recognition she deserves.

One interesting thing about this story is that you’d think it would take some considerable suspension of disbelief to buy into a story about a girl who wants to be Botticelli’s apprentice... because most of us know how unlikely that would be—so unlikely that a girl probably wouldn’t even have such a dream in the first place. Ursula Murray Husted took a huge risk in telling such a story, and another huge risk in telling this story in modern dialect. There is no attempt to make her characters sound like Italians from hundreds of years ago; rather, you could imagine overhearing most of the conversations in a local 21st century restaurant or at least art school. The funny thing is, it totally works. And not only does it work, but that choice in dialect succeeded in making her choice of story seem more plausible as well. Or at least easy to suspend disbelief. I found myself saying, “Yeah, I know this isn’t a real historical story, and I don’t care. I want to go along for the ride anyway.”

That’s not to say she didn’t get the historical details right. In fact, her research into art and lifestyles of the Renaissance was thorough and well represented in both narration and art. Being a bit of a nerd about art details like pigments, I really enjoyed all the discussion of various ways artists made different colors, and the difference in quality, durability, etc. Clearly the aforementioned risks were intentional.

I’ll dip my toe into artistic critique just for a moment. The colors are gorgeous. The pictures are interesting to look at but so perfectly paced (if that’s the right word for pictures in sequential art) that I almost forgot they were there unless I stopped to pay attention. They just told the story and pulled me right along. Scott McCloud (or my daughter) could probably tell you exactly why they worked so well. I just know that I loved every minute of the story.

Botticelli’s Apprentice releases on March 11 but is available for pre-order now. (I received an electronic ARC from Netgalley.)

[Klaudia Janek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: "Botticelli’s Apprentice" by Ursula Murray Husted is a historical graphic novel set in 1400s Florence, Italy. The story follows Mella, a young girl whose family works for the renowned painter Sandro Botticelli. Mella dreams of becoming Botticelli's apprentice, though the odds seem stacked against her. She is known as the Chicken Girl and she takes care of the chickens and other non-glamourous jobs like washing the paint brushes. The plot thickens with the introduction of Datus, Botticelli's official apprentice, who struggles with his artistic skills. As an apprentice, Datus is responsible for making the canvas, mixing paints and plaster and other odd jobs. Botticelli is not really teaching him anything at this point. Datus steals one of Mella’s drawings and claims it as one of his own. Mella is mad, but she knows no one would believe her if she said it was hers. Eventually, Datus apologizes for what he did and their tense relationship blossoms into a heartwarming friendship, showcasing themes of empowerment, collaboration, and the art-making process. Husted's vibrant illustrations echo Botticelli’s style, immersing readers in the world of Renaissance art.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Librarians can suggest this book to art teachers and they will love the biography and art history in the book. . This graphic novel serves as an excellent entry point for discussions about the Renaissance, highlighting the social dynamics and challenges faced by women artists during that time. Librarians can organize themed book clubs or reading circles where students engage in discussions about Mella’s journey and the importance of creativity. This book went into a lot of detail about some of the techniques and materials used during this time. I really liked the description of how lapis lazuli was made into paint and used by artists. While the lapis lazuli material is not a reality in school, librarians and teachers could still set up art workshops inspired by the techniques mentioned in the book, such as how to make tempera paints or canvas panels. This hands-on approach encourages students to explore their own artistic talents while learning about historical art processes. The author provides some great classroom activities on her website, along with some technique videos that are mentioned in the book. The glossary at the front of the book is an ideal place for it and defines the more unfamiliar terms before actually getting to them in the text. I also enjoyed the author notes at the end to put part of the fiction and non-fiction into context. This book would also be a great lead into a information/media literacy lesson on copyright. This book is a highly recommended choice for upper elementary to middle school students. A wonderful addition to any school library.

Thank you to HarperCollins and Quill Tree Books for a ARC on #NetGalley

[Josselyn Radillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Botticelli's Apprentice, Ursula Murray Husted immerses us in the heart of the Italian Renaissance with a graphic novel that is rich in history, art, and personal growth. The story follows Mella, a talented young woman whose dream is to become an apprentice to the great masters of Florence, like Botticelli. However, she lives in an era where being a woman is a significant barrier, as society denies her the same rights and opportunities given to men. This narrative, which addresses themes of empowerment and gender discrimination, serves as a powerful reflection on art and the struggle for recognition.

Husted strikes a perfect balance between visual storytelling and text. Each page is a visual delight, with illustrations full of intricate details that transport us to Renaissance Florence, capturing not only the beauty of the era but also the social tensions that shaped it. The protagonist, Mella, is an example of determination and creativity. Her passion for art and her desire to break free from the societal limitations imposed on her gender make her a captivating and modern character. The narrative not only inspires but also educates, introducing us to a key period in art history while addressing universal themes such as perseverance and the courage to follow one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles.

With a strong protagonist and stunning visual style, Botticelli's Apprentice is a perfect graphic novel for young readers, especially those interested in art, history, and the fight for equality. This work, full of empowerment and valuable lessons, is a must-read for those seeking a narrative that combines entertainment with deep reflection.

3 Reasons to Read Botticelli's Apprentice

Female Empowerment: Mella’s story is an inspiration for any young person who dreams of overcoming societal barriers. Her bravery and determination to carve out a place for herself in the art world reflect a powerful message of equality and perseverance.

A Lesson in History and Art: This isn’t just an engaging story; it’s also a window into the Italian Renaissance. Through its illustrations and narrative, readers learn about this fascinating period in art history, with a protagonist who defies the limits of her time.

Stunning Visual Style: The illustrations in the novel are breathtaking, filled with details that capture the essence of the Renaissance. Each page not only advances the story but transports the reader to the Florence of the time, offering an enriching visual experience.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mella tends the chickens and washes brushes in Botticell’s workshop but dreams of being an artist in this cozy and informative graphic novel. Although she’s already better at drawing than Datus, the actual apprentice, no Florentine maestro would consider taking on a girl for this job, so the bulk of the plot revolves around Mella’s struggle to be noticed and accepted. When Mona Rosso, a wealthy widow, launches a contest, Mella and Datus collaborate to create a painting of Illario, her beloved songbird, with the boy teaching Mella how to prepare canvas and make brushes in exchange for drawing lessons. They don’t win the contest (that honor goes to Leonardo da Vinci, so, no shame there) but Mella impresses Mona Rosso enough to become her house artist. 

Husted renders all of her dialogue in contemporary sounding English and opens the novel with a helpful glossary of Italian and art terms, making the story accessible to upper elementary and middle school readers, who might not otherwise think of cracking open a graphic novel on Renaissance art. Her drawings are consistently clever and engaging, with many panels and lots of text. Color palette choices nicely dovetail with the story, employing shades we’d see in Botticelli’s own works: warm roses, beiges, and browns, occasional pops of red for emphasis, and sparring use of the more expensive greens and blues. When Mella retreats to a contemplative and sad emotional state, she draws on the walls of her parents’ cottage; the author/illustrator renders these scenes larger and drenches them with the deep lapis blue Mella grinds to create the rare pigment. We also get to spend several pages in Datus’s lively family frame workshop, filled with overlapping side conversations and lots of humor. Even though there is actually a lot of information right in the story about the chemistry, process, and geometry of art, the narrative stays playful and compelling. Extensive and informative endnotes provide more information about Botticelli, several other Renaissance artists (including a few overlooked female painters), the roles of guilds and artistic patrons, and Italian history. Husted carefully explains that very little is known about Botticelli, which gave her freer reign to make things up, and that Mella is completely fictional. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Laura Dapito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ursula Murray-Husted has done it again! Author of ‘A Cat Story’ has brought to life the tale of a young aspiring artist/chicken girl for Sandro Botticelli. The graphic novel is smart and delightful as is my experience with all of Murray-Husted’s creations.

Before anything, can we give a huge round of applause for authors who include a glossary?

Ok, on to the good stuff:

The story starts out with mildly tense scenes like many depictions of apprenticeships — establishing that urgency everyone who has worked under a “big boss” is familiar with. Betrayal occurs and then unlikely friendships are made, simply from the characters taking time to learn more about each other. The dialogue is cheeky and the humor witty. You’ll find yourself learning about 15th century art and laughing about each character’s humanness.

My favorite thing about it: There is so much detail shared about craft — from the POV of the artist assistant and as one of the family’s is in the woodworking trade. And I love nitty gritty details about craft from experts who do it well. The inclusion of these details illustrate Murray-Husted’s appreciation for portraying realistic roles of the characters both in the dialogue and especially in the gorgeous visuals. You can really see the soft side of the feathers when they’re making brushes, and the frustration that comes from the pounding of the charcoal pounce <— learned this from the GLOSSARY!

And can we talk about the dog? Blue latches onto the main character and quickly learns her role as cheerleader and emotional support friend while still being a total dog and getting herself into some very doggie snafus! The best part are all the ways Murray-Husted has captured those perfectly expressive dog faces. So if for some reason you’re not into totally captivating stories, you can flip through and just look at the hundreds of panels with the cutest dog sidekick.

This is a story about fighting for what’s right and supporting each other to become who you want to be and do what you want to do. A wholesome feel-good tale that simply hasn’t been told quite like this.

Best for folks who love art/art history, historical fiction, workplace drama, women supporting women, and animal friends!

Botticelli’s Assistant is available March 11, 2025 and available for pre-order.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Mella's family lives near and works for the famous Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli. Mella often tends the geese, but frequently is able to sneak into the workshop, since she loves to draw. She has to put up with Datus, who is an actual apprentice, but not very adept at anything. After Mella gets a deal on some pigment (which the stray dog, Blue, she adopts finds very tasty.. and expensive!) Datus asks her for more and more help and she is allowed to participate a bit more. When local art patron Mona Rosso announces a contest and Botticelli is too busy to do the work himself, the two children visit the woman to ask what she would like to see painted. They decide to paint her bird, and go back and forth on how to enter the picture. In the end, the picture doesn't win, but Mella gets offered an opportunity to paint for Mona Rosso. Extensive notes at the end of this graphic novel tell more information about the treatment of women and girls in the art scene during this time period, since Mella has more opportunities than girls at the time would normally have had.

This was very well researched and had a lot of information about the process of painting as well as different techniques; I know more about egg gesso than I ever expected to know. The illustrations are brightly colored but a bit different from the standard middle grade ones. If you have students who really want to know more about art during the Renaissance or who enjoyed historical graphic novels like Ink Girls or Aldridge's The Pale Queen, this would be a good choice.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely imagined tale about a girl Mella who aspires to become an apprentice like her fellow brush-washer Datus. They both work in the famous Italian painter Botticelli’s studio, but there’s no chance he’ll take her on as an apprentice even though she draws better than her friend Datus. But both get their chance when a painting competition requires Botticelli to come up with a sketch he’s too busy to do himself. The enterprising youngsters go visit the wealthy old woman who’s holding the competition to find out what subject she’d most like to be painted. By combining their talents, Mella and Datus create what they hope will be a winning sketch, then together transfer it to a board, prepare the wood, and then paint it for the maestro Botticelli to put the finishing touches on.
Since this is a graphic novel, the drawings have to do a lot of the work of storytelling. To me they were a bit cartoonish, not at all in keeping with Renaissance styles of painting, which kind of surprised me a bit. But on the whole, the author does a good job illustrating the hectic nature of an artist’s workshop, the lively Florentine streets and markets, and the different lifestyles of families that apprentice their children and those who commission works of art.

[Alana White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence, Italy, 1482. At the height of the Italian Renaissance, young Mella is a gifted artist relegated to the role of tending chickens for master craftsman Sandro Botticelli. Though girls can’t be artists’ apprentices in Florence, Mella yearns to paint and practices her craft at night. A delightful graphic novel overflowing with clever illustrations and witty dialogue set against the background of everyday life in Florence, this is a lovely homage to the power of friendship, hope, perseverance, and faith in yourself. Entertaining side-stories abound. Mella’s rambunctious and expressive dog, Blue, has a trove of amusing adventures, and family life spills engagingly across the pages, equally hectic and endearing.

Husted’s deep knowledge of Renaissance Italian history and painting shines throughout. With a light touch, she offers readers an insider’s look into the process of 15th-century painting that includes a very funny nod to Botticelli’s contemporaries, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Her author’s note provides an entertaining insight into the history behind the story she has transformed into an admirable work of historical fiction. For readers ages 8-12 and adults interested in the history of Italian Renaissance painting. Very highly recommended.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mella's family works on the famous artist, Sandro Botticelli's, property and Mella thinks of herself as a chicken girl. Mella is an immensely talented but self-taught artist herself but women are not allowed to be apprentices in the Italian art world at that time. Mella washes brushes, tries to learn what she can and deeply resents the reluctant apprentice Dactis.

But when Botticelli sends the two youngsters to visit a local art patron and paint sketches for a competition, Mella's life begins to change.

Husted incorporates so much in this visual treat of a graphic novel! Readers will find step by step directions for many of the artist techniques and materials of the time, historical details of the culture and life of Renaissance Italy, and a charming tale of gifted young artist finding a way through bias and roadblocks.

Reflecting the palates of the period, the color choices here are richly vivid and glowing and the art work alone makes this a terrific choice. Touches of humor and an uplifting depiction of real determination. Truly enjoyable in so many ways and a rewarding read.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mella spends her days tending chickens and cleaning paintbrushes for famous artist Sandro Botticelli, but secretly she hopes to become one of his apprentices. Too bad girls aren’t allowed join the artists guild or become apprentices. That doesn’t stop her from learning everything that she can. When one of Botticelli’s apprentices steals her work, she makes a deal with him. She’ll teach him out to draw, if he’ll teacher her everything he knows about the process of painting. Together the two enter a contest, and maybe, just maybe, Mella will be able to earn the recognition she deserves.

This delightful graphic novel was such as fun read, and I learned far more than I expected about Renaissance art. While the illustrations weren’t my favorite, they were lush, colorful, and engaging, and even more importantly, my children saw them and were immediately enthusiastic to read the rest of the story.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, thoughtful tale about the glass ceiling in the Renaissance art world. A paint brush (and chicken coop) cleaner aspires to be an artist, but she's further down the rung than even the lowliest male apprentice. When that apprentice steals one of her drawings for a piece of art, she schemes up a way to get him to teach her the finer points of becoming an actual artist while she continues to create art under his name. Along the way, they meet a powerful widow who demonstrates that it's possible for women to retain power in the 1400s, if rare.

The pleasant, engaging tale is portrayed in bright, dense artwork. I was at first turned off by the amateur elements (particularly the character designs), but as the book taught me about art, I grew fond of the interior artwork. The art history lesson is truly a key reason to pick up Botticelli's Apprentice, and don't skip the back matter!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this historical fiction graphic novel that follows a girl from her family’s chicken farm to the heights of the art world as a master artist’s apprentice. She’s clever, resourceful, and talented, but still dismissed and must prove herself over and over again until she finally becomes an artist in her own right. It was a truly immersive read – I felt like I was in the Renaissance marketplace and studio – with so much to learn about how paints and painting were made in this time period. Loved the back matter with art notes explaining how the author approached historical fiction for Botticelli where we know so much about his paintings, but less about the actual person who painted them—and the explanation of how women poured their artistic talents into craft movements when they were excluded from the fine arts because of sexism. I think young readers will love it too.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved the heart laced throughout every aspect of this story. From the lived in, warm art style itself to the story of a girl who wants to passionately paint her days away, there's so much joy to be found in the sometimes unfair and difficult circumstances of their time period. The talk of gender and class discrimination is thoughtfully approached and satisfying as it evolves. The narrative arc of a boy who has everything that our main character wants but without the natural artistic talent, with him going from snooty to empathetic and endearing, was so well done. Even though I predicted the outcome quite early on it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the journey at all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for the arc!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publisher provided e-arc for honest review.
Lots of back matter at the end of the book explaining historical facts and women in art.
Enjoyable story of a young chicken girl who has the talent but not the opportunity to be an artist’s apprentice, of Botticelli (or any artist).

She teams up with Botticelli’s youngest apprentice who can’t draw and trades her drawing skills for him teaching her how to prepare paint, canvas, etc.
this book was very good and sneaky about educating us about making your own paint, canvas, brushes, fresco painting, etc.
Blue the dog stole the show whenever she was on page. The art style wasn’t always my favorite but the MC was always expressive and her big feelings come across.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mella is a chicken girl who looks after the artist Botticelli's chickens, but she wants to be an artist and but girls are not allowed to apprentice with artists. To make matters worse Datus, who is Botticelli's apprentice does not draw very well. A contest comes up and Botticelli asks his apprentice to do the painting. Datus and Mella decide to help each other as Mella will teach Datus how to draw and he will take care of her chores. They do the painting and enter the contest. The story is nothing new but learning about the different painting techniques and the terminology of the late 15th and early 16th century and that the great masters of the time didn't necessarily do all the work. Recommended for middle grade readers who are interest in art and famous artists.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mella is the chicken girl at artist Botticelli's estate. She also occasionally helps with cleaning out the brushes and other tasks around the studio. She loves to draw and would love to be an actual apprentice like Datus, especially since he can't draw!
This is an engaging and informative GN about art in the renaissance period as well as a girl standing up for her rights. It reminded me of the novel in verse "Blood Water Paint" which I really enjoyed but I can't get very many of my students to read. I think more of my students will pick this up since graphic novels are so hot right now. Back matter includes further info about the period, artists, and subject matter.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This was great! I love the story about the girl who just wants to paint but has to try to navigate the society structures that don't want to allow her to paint. This book takes place in 15th century Italy and it was fascinating to learn about the time period and how art materials were made. There is a huge amount of back matter giving even more information. Despite this historical time period, I still think the actual story will appeal to modern audiences. The only thing I didn't like was the way that some characters ended up being pretty blobby, especially background characters.