Leonardo da Vinci

He was original “Renaissance man,” a revolutionary artist, the father of modern science, and a remarkable inventor who dreamed of being the first man to fly. He designed everything from a submarine, a tank, and a helicopter to an air-conditioning system and a self-closing toilet lid. In one of history’s more bizarre twists of fate, his illegitimate birth prevented him from following his father in the family profession as a notary—and so he became an artist instead! The pictures in the book incorporate Leonardo’s actual drawings and paintings within the framework of the fascinating life of this great genius.

In this magnificent addition to a distinguished series that includes Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, and Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare, award-winning author-artist Diane Stanley blends wonderful storytelling with gorgeous illustrations to convey the stunning scope of Leonardo da Vinci's genius in a book that has won many awards and earned two starred reviews. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. A biography of the Italian Renaissance artist and inventor includes notebook sketches that reveal his observations of anatomy and science, his ideas for a flying machine, and such paintings as the Mona Lisa and Last Supper.