Leonardo's Monster

Gr 2—4—Many unproven legends exist about the great artist da Vinci. One of them is that Leonardo's father asked him to decorate a shield for an employee. As was his habit, the young artist studied nature and created a creature composed of the most horrifying elements of several animals. Upon completing the monster, he invited his father into the studio, whereupon the man was frightened "out of his wits." The high quality of his son's painting, however, led him to sell the shield for a large sum. Leonardo's monster was allegedly passed on to a duke for even more money. Painterly illustrations realistically add depth to the story. Leonardo is depicted as a likable boy, yet the vibrant colors surrounding the unseen monster enhance the fantastical. As Sutcliffe retells the legend, she weaves true biographical facts with the unproven, creating a sense of adventure, and leaves the final opinion to readers.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH