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The Genius of Leonardo
A biography based on Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and told by his ten year old apprentice Giacomo, who is taught all kinds of lessons by his wise and visionary master.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2020
A fascinating picture-book "biography" of Leonardo da Vinci, as told by his apprentice Giacomo - a ten-year-old "liar, thief and greedy brute, (who) eats as much as two boys and causes as much trouble as four" - The Genius of Leonardo uses quotations from da Vinci's own journals to recreate an affectionate portrait of the great master, who, although not always understood by his servant, is admired and respected. da Vinci's many diverse interests, and his philosophical ideas - about the stupidity of war, or the cruelty in keeping birds caged - are captured in the brief narrative, which picks up when he is an older man, working for Count Ludovico of Milan, and concludes with his journey to France, where he was employed in the court of Francis I.
I enjoyed the narrative here, and appreciated the illustrated "lists," at front and back, of da Vinci's various activities, and many brilliant ideas and inventions. Bimba Lindmann's artwork - which can also be found in titles such as Clare and Francis (also by Guido Visconti) and A Boy Named Giotto - seems oddly ill-suited to a Renaissance story at fist glance, but will eventually win the reader over. The reviewer who mentioned that the style is more Byzantine here, than anything else, has a point, but the overall effect was actually very appealing. In any case, as the friend who recommended this one has pointed out, there are plenty of other children's books about da Vinci, for those who find this one less than compelling. For the rest of us, there is the pleasure of a well-told story and some gorgeous artwork!
I enjoyed the narrative here, and appreciated the illustrated "lists," at front and back, of da Vinci's various activities, and many brilliant ideas and inventions. Bimba Lindmann's artwork - which can also be found in titles such as Clare and Francis (also by Guido Visconti) and A Boy Named Giotto - seems oddly ill-suited to a Renaissance story at fist glance, but will eventually win the reader over. The reviewer who mentioned that the style is more Byzantine here, than anything else, has a point, but the overall effect was actually very appealing. In any case, as the friend who recommended this one has pointed out, there are plenty of other children's books about da Vinci, for those who find this one less than compelling. For the rest of us, there is the pleasure of a well-told story and some gorgeous artwork!
February 1, 2015
This biography of Leonardo da Vinci is told from the point of view of his ten year old servant Giacomo. This complex picture book is beautifully illustrated and would be great for grades 3 and up. This book would be a great way to integrate the arts in your classroom and also a nice way to lead into a science or art project.
Throughout the book, the author includes quotes and ideas that can be found in Leonardo's journals. The direct or abridged sayings from Leonardo are in italics. There were two sayings that I really enjoyed. These were "A beautiful face attracts more attention than rich ornaments. And it is more valuable to show what is inside a person's soul." My other favorite was "Whoever fails to respect the lives of others does not deserve his own life." Because there are several quotes, a fun project could be to give groups of students a quote and they could act out a scene that shows what Leonardo meant by it. Another fun activity that could be done from the book would be for students to design their own "ideal city" much like the one Leonardo tells Giacomo about.
The book does a nice job of showing some of Leonardo's biggest achievements. The reader will learn about Mona Lisa, the Last Supper (which could be kind of tricky to teach about in school), weapons designed for war, and "the ideal city." Because Leonardo is well known for so many different achievements, I think that this book does a nice job explaining some of these achievements in a way that upper elementary students can understand. This book is a great starting place before learning more about Leonardo da Vinci.
The detailed illustrations and direct quotes from Leonardo da Vinci add such a nice touch to this biography. There is so much that could be done with this book that can integrate literature, science, history, and the arts!
Throughout the book, the author includes quotes and ideas that can be found in Leonardo's journals. The direct or abridged sayings from Leonardo are in italics. There were two sayings that I really enjoyed. These were "A beautiful face attracts more attention than rich ornaments. And it is more valuable to show what is inside a person's soul." My other favorite was "Whoever fails to respect the lives of others does not deserve his own life." Because there are several quotes, a fun project could be to give groups of students a quote and they could act out a scene that shows what Leonardo meant by it. Another fun activity that could be done from the book would be for students to design their own "ideal city" much like the one Leonardo tells Giacomo about.
The book does a nice job of showing some of Leonardo's biggest achievements. The reader will learn about Mona Lisa, the Last Supper (which could be kind of tricky to teach about in school), weapons designed for war, and "the ideal city." Because Leonardo is well known for so many different achievements, I think that this book does a nice job explaining some of these achievements in a way that upper elementary students can understand. This book is a great starting place before learning more about Leonardo da Vinci.
The detailed illustrations and direct quotes from Leonardo da Vinci add such a nice touch to this biography. There is so much that could be done with this book that can integrate literature, science, history, and the arts!
May 25, 2020
Agregé esto para salvar mi reading challenge? sí.
January 14, 2023
Really enjoyed this one for our symposium study on DaVinci!
July 15, 2015
Wonderful book!
December 31, 2021
This would be a great book for a unit about Leonardo da Vinci. I would suggest that this would be best suited in a Christian School since one of the paintings the author focused on was The Last Supper. Depending upon your school or school district, this could be an issue.
The story is about a boy that came to live with Leonardo, to learn from him. However, this boys has made poor choices and Leonardo is not impressed with him.
This book would be good when discussing themes of temptation, choices, and decisions.
The story is about a boy that came to live with Leonardo, to learn from him. However, this boys has made poor choices and Leonardo is not impressed with him.
This book would be good when discussing themes of temptation, choices, and decisions.
May 25, 2018
This story gives a unique perspective on Leonardo's life with a lot of great and interesting facts locked into it. Loved the sassy artwork, too!
August 26, 2025
I don't care too much for the illustrations, but I did enjoy the breadth of the story and the actual quotes from Leonardo sprinkled within.
November 3, 2016
I thought this was a very nice introduction to the life and philosophy of Leonardo. The story is told from the point of view of Giacomo, a ten-year-old vagabond who finds himself welcomed into the master's home. From this perspective, we are given brief facts and some key moments from Leonardo's life but with a context of sorts. We see why Leonardo painted The Last Supper and well as some of the story behind the Mona Lisa. The artwork itself is interesting and may not be for all yet they conjure up rich tapestries of life in Florence. A nice introduction to Leonardo for the for competent reader.
September 10, 2008
Told through the point of view of Giacomo, Leonardo's often naughty and troublesome servant boy. Great picture book for intermediate age + children allowing them to get a gimps at the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. How can one person be so knowledgeable of so much? This amazing progressive thinking, far beyond his time in history individual is one of the most fascinating people to have ever walked this Earth.
January 21, 2014
A young assistant to Leonardo tells of the life and work of his great master. The text is liberally littered with quotes from the diaries of Leonardo.
"A person's life is just a moment in infinity."
"Ever since men have appeared on earth, they have done nothing but fight each other. What a foul breed of animals they are!"
"A person's life is just a moment in infinity."
"Ever since men have appeared on earth, they have done nothing but fight each other. What a foul breed of animals they are!"
January 29, 2017
This book is described as being from the perspective of Leonardo's assistant. However, that assistant is a young boy servant, not an apprentice to the artist.
It shows the Leonardo working on his flying machine, painting of the Mona Lisa, designing war machines, painting the Lord's Supper, and creating large moving toys for the French king's entertainment.
It shows the Leonardo working on his flying machine, painting of the Mona Lisa, designing war machines, painting the Lord's Supper, and creating large moving toys for the French king's entertainment.
March 10, 2009
Tale of Leonardo and his 10 year old servant, Giacomo. The text flows beautifully, including quotations, drawings and biographical information. Illustrations are magnificent and large. Like Giacomo, young readers will be inspired by Leonardo's curiosity and passion.
November 8, 2013
Written from the perspective of Leonardo's 10 year old apprentice, this story is a really cool insight to some of the topics of Leonardo's art including sculptures, fortifications and weaponry, flying machines, the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and plans for an "ideal city" with plumbing.
March 30, 2016
What a beautiful introduction to Leonardo da Vinci! The illustrations glimmer and bring to life the brilliance of this great man through the eyes of his 10-year-old servant. We will be reading this again and again!
December 11, 2008
Engaging NF PB read to K-5.
This telling of Leonardo da Vinci's life, told through the eyes of his 10YO assistant, pulls children into the story. Unique illustrations add to the experience.
This telling of Leonardo da Vinci's life, told through the eyes of his 10YO assistant, pulls children into the story. Unique illustrations add to the experience.
January 14, 2010
Great find at the library - although I may be biased due to my love for Leonardo da Vinci.
August 7, 2016
This is a wonderful book about Leonardo da Vinci! He really came alive to us!
September 9, 2016
A picture book for older children that is quite abstract and thought provoking. I personally think the artwork is too melancholy and skeleton for children. The color hues are a bit depressing.
September 13, 2016
Great illustrations
June 24, 2019
Krásne ilustrácie. Chabejšia storka, ale pravda ja nie som primárna cieľovka. #trebacitat
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews