The Stolen Smile

by J. Patrick Lewis, Gary Kelley (Illustrator)

Based on true events, this tale recounts the 1911 theft of history's most famous portrait, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa , through the spirited narration of the proud thief himself.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, History, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

J. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Oliver Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good, it made me SMILE.
I have nothing to MONA 'bout.
It is simply a MASTERPIECE.
I may have to LISA copy of this book from the library.
The way that the author PORTRAITS the antagonist is A WORK OF ART.
I would write a pun about Da Vinci but I'm going to LOUVRE it here.

[Anayeli M · Rating 5 out of 5]

From his jail cell, Vincenzo Peruggia tells the readers why and how he stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911. One of history’s most famous portrait by Leonardo Da Vinci was stolen from the Louvre. As the city frantically looks for the painting, Peruggia is proud to take the painting back to where he thinks it belongs, Italy. He find out why Paris is the rightful owner of the Mona Lisa. The illustrations depict the events that lead the Mona Lisa back home. Peruggia believes he was saving the painting.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this is. The story of a villain - a real one - is NOT something often seen in children's literature. Coupled with the fact that it's a true story and discusses art history alongside the narrative makes it unique - and if it is not I'd love to know of all the other books like this! The illustrations by Gary Kelley, in impressionist style were beautiful and really enhanced the story. We got this from a library and, because it was so good, bought ourselves a copy.

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so much. The illustrations are lovely and I am always looking for good historical fiction story books. Unfortunately, I found this story difficult to follow and I think a juvenile audience will too.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have definitely become a J Patrick Lewis fan!!! The story is fascinating and so are the Gary Kelley illustrations.

[Ember Moto · Rating 3 out of 5]

picture book on the theft of the Mona Lisa. The theft that turned the painting into one of the most famous paintings in the world. It's an easy book to read and is great for kids who want to learn about this often forgotten, little talked about event in history.

[Lynne Vanderveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of a thief sneaking off with the Mona Lisa under his arm caught my attention. The text on the jacket flap mentioned that it is based on real events - events that I didn't know anything about it. The story begins with the narrator, who is the thief, telling the reader that he is in a jail cell. But he also indicates that he is the hero in this story and challenges, "Am I, Vincenzo Peruggia, Italian patriot without peer, villain or victim? Victor or vanquished? Savior or scoundrel?" We have appearances from Picasso, Kafka, and others as the story is told which offer chances for talking of additional artists and writers. I love this telling of the Italian thief who "rescued" the artwork from the museum run by "French lunatics." It begs to be read aloud!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating work of historical fiction based on the very real painting-nabbing of the Mona Lisa in 1911. The narration is told through the perspective of Vincenzo Peruggia, the thief who felt his actions were justified and he should be considered a hero and patriot of Italy for returning the Italian lady done by the Italian painter to its home country.

I especially appreciated the additional information in the afterword including this fun fact: After the French Revolution (1787-1793) the Louvre Museum in Paris became her new home. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte had it removed and hung on his bedroom wall, but when he was exiled in 1815, the Mona Lisa returned to the Louvre for good. Almost.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

More history on the missing Mona Lisa and her thief.

[Cassaundra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story; probably best suited for older children with an interest in the topic.