Look deep inside da Vinci’s studio through an apprentice’s diary. Learn about the painter’s creative process as he creates models, produces sketches, and visits the mortuary in the name of art.

This is a biography picture book told through entries from his ten year old apprentice Paulo's diary. The entries give an interesting perspective into life in Milan in the 1490s. After the entries the author gives more background on what happened next in Leonard's life and some of his accomplishments. The illustrations are beautiful and there is a glossary and index to give support. I would recommend this book to 4th through 8th graders. The author did a great job on this book. ( )

Retelling: This book begins with a fictional journal from the point of view an imaginary discepolo of Lionardo da Vinci's named Paolo. Paolo describes his responsibilities at the bottom of the artistic hierarchy as cleaning and running errands, while trying to gather as much knowledge as he can about how Leonardo achieves such success as an artist. At one point, a new discepolo named Salai joins the team. Salai was based on one of Leonardo's actual assistants. Steve Augarde, the author of this book, paints Salai as a mischievous boy, stealing things and selling them for his own gain, then apologizing with crocodile tears. Leonardo forgives him instead of tossing him out each time he makes a mistake. The final two chapters of the book describe what became of Leonardo and some of his work after the French Occupation of Italy and a description of the Renaissance, the time period that allowed great artists like Leonardo to thrive.

Thoughts and Feelings:
I would highly recommend this book. There is a lot to think about, both in the historical fiction section of the book, and the actual history at the end.

I thought it was interesting how Paolo's first observation when walking into the master's studio was disbelief that "all this" was the work of "one man." The picture does not, in fact, show one man, but many men working under Leonardo da Vinci to make his incredible imaginings come to life. Even geniuses need help.

I also found the dynamic between the good little apprentice, Paolo, and the little devil Salai very interesting. I could understand why Paolo was frustrated by the double standard Leonardo seemed to have for Salai vs. the rest of the discipolos. In the end, Paolo wrote that he guessed Leonardo's favoritism must have been related to the fact that Salai was an orphan and the forgiveness was a charity. I know that some of the decisions I made during my student teaching may have seemed like favoritism to people who didn't know what I knew about each student. The fact is, everyone is different and they don't need the same things.

Written for the upper elementary grades, this book will stretch the imagination of your students. They can explore Leonardo's studio and get a glimpse into the great inventor's mind. What a great way to enlarge a young students mind and imagination. ( )