Accelerated Reader Program Selection
Although not much is known about Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood, one rare story exists. When Leonardo was a young boy, his father received a request from a friend to have a shield painted. Knowing how talented his son was, he naturally asked Leonardo. Leonardo set out to paint a monster, a monster so terrifying even his father thought it to be real. Leonardo’s father was so pleased with his son’s work that he decided not to return the shield to his friend. Instead, he sold it and bought his friend a shield that wasn’t so frightening.
The first picture book re-creation of this childhood tale examines the imaginative process in art. As he tries to create a horrifying monster, Leonardo studies a number of distasteful creatures, and only in combining the characteristics of living things with imaginary elements was he able to develop his frightful monster. Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest artists of all time. A man of many talents, he liked to accomplish the unimaginable.
About the Author
Jane Sutcliffe is the author of nineteen children’s biographies. Her articles have been published in Highlights for Children, Boys’ Life, and Appleseeds. She lives with her family and their dog in Tolland, Connecticut.
About the Illustrator
Herb Leonhard has worked as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer specializing in the illustration of children’s books for more than twenty years. He has won numerous awards for his versatile freelance and professional work in both traditional and digital media. He earned a bachelor of fine arts in illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, and he attended Mt. Hood Community College, concentrating in commercial art. Leonhard resides in Prosser, Washington, with his wife and son.
By Jane Sutcliffe
Illustrated by Herb Leonhard
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Art
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Historical
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
31 color illus.