"Anderson regales us with tales of Leonardo's brilliant, often mischievous nature, and the nearly unfathomable range of his inventions." —The New York Times Book Review
"This marvelous book will introduce you to some of Leonardo's most exciting ideas and innovations." —David Kaiser, physicist and historian of science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Encourages young readers to explore the genius of Leonardo. . .and have a huge amount of fun in the process." —Laurence Anholt, Double Gold Award winner of the Smarties Book Prize and author, Leonardo and the Flying Boy
"A wonderful resource for children, and for adults who wish to experience a Renaissance of their childlike love of learning." —Michael J. Gelb, author, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
"Fun and factual." —Robert Byrd, winner, The Golden Kite Award, and author, Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer
"Guides young readers to sample Leonardo’s mind by replicating what were for him 'mental inventions.'" —Bulent Atalay, PhD, scientist-artist and author, Math and the Mona Lisa
"A lively and entertaining survey of a millennium of Roman history." —School Library Journal
"The book is perfect for capturing a middle schooler's attention! Highly recommended." —Science Books and Films
"More than an activity book, this nifty volume explores Leonardo's life, times and endless imagination." —Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Will keep the kids occupied with constructive activities and is sure to spur on their own creative inventions." —Old Schoolhouse Magazine
"Experience the ingenuity of Leonardo da Vinci firsthand." —Children's Digest
"This is a book of fun and creativity." —Children's Literature
"Anderson offers an ingenious introduction [to Leonardo] that crosses the curriculum." —Curriculum Connections (School Library Journal)
From armored tanks and gliders to "plastic glass" and drawing machines, this interactive book explores the incredible mind of Leonardo da Vinci through hands-on building projects and activities. Most of Leonardo's inventions were never made in his lifetime and remained sketches in his famous notebooks; kids examine some of these original sketches and learn about the models he made of his inventions. From there they delve into detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for each project, which are interspersed with historical facts, biographical anecdotes, and trivia. Most of the building can be done using simple household supplies: construction paper, tape, markers, glue, cardboard tubes, aluminum foil, and cardboard boxes. Background about the Renaissance as a period of remarkable achievement in art and science appears throughout the book.
Maxine Anderson is the author of Great Civil War Projects You Can Build Yourself. She is a former teacher and an avid amateur historian, focusing on inventions and innovations in a historical context. She lives in Hanover, New Hampshire.
View interior graphics from this book.
Sketch 1 (13K)
Sketch 2 (24K)
Sketch 3 (6K)
Sketch 4 (16K)
Sketch 5 (19K)
Childrens: Nonfiction, Childrens: Education Resource
Age Range: 9 to 12
128 pages, Trade Paper, 8 x 10
100 Color Illustrations, 50 Line Drawings, 0 Charts, 0 Tables, 0 Graphs, 50 Diagrams, 0 Maps, 0 Screen Shots, Two-color Interior
Distribution Rights: WOR
$14.95 (CAN $20.95)
9780974934426 (0974934429) Pub Date: January 2006
Nomad Press