Zoro is the young pupil of the amazing painter, sculptor, scientist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. Every day he works hard in Leonrado's workshop, mixing colours, cleaning paintbrushes and practising his drawings. But he is never allowed inside the secret locked room, where Leonardo spends hours hammering and sawing at a mysterious invention. One day Leonardo brings a mischievous boy named Salai to work for him. He is so intrigued by the secret room that he steals the keys to find out what is inside...Leonardo and the Flying Boy provides an exciting introduction to the great genius of the Italian Renaissance, with reproductions of Leonardo's own work.

About the Author

Laurence Anholt is part of a husband-and-wife team who have worked together on more than 60 picture books, published all over the world in more than 17 different languages. Their picture books -- including the Chimp and Zee series -- have won numerous awards and have been featured on television and radio. Laurence has been described by William Watt as one of the most versatile authors writing for children today. He was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting passion for art. He is a much sought after public speaker, appearing at conferences such as the European Council of International Schools Conference, the Northern Children's Book Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. To visit the Anholts' website click here

Prizes

Laurence Anholt won the Smarties Prize in 1999 for his "Snow White and the Seven Aliens"

Reviews

Gr 2-4-A rather slight story about two of the boys who worked in Leonardo's studio and workshops. The book is enlivened by Anholt's paintings and drawings, but especially enhanced by some of Leonardo's own sketchbook illustrations. Salai, a street urchin the artist seems to have been inexplicably attached to, is irrepressibly amoral and persuades the normally diligent and trustworthy Zoro to enter the inventor's secret workshop, lug his flying machine to a hilltop, and launch himself into the air. The resultant flight is very short and the landing is very hard. This incident is apparently documented and Anholt's slim volume may whet children's interest in the fascinating man.-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

This book encourages children to understand that human beings can have a creative vision and reach out to change things ... an inspirational book Books for Keeps As well as providing a slice of art history, this book also celebrates the intellect and love of learning and reminds us that the world needs eccentrics School Librarian ... a lyrical text and stunning pictures by Laurence Anholt (together with some equally stunning illustrations by Leonardo himself). In all an entertaining introduction to the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci Carousel

Anholt (Camille and the Sunflowers) continues his imaginative series about great artists with this cleverly executed and engaging account of one of Leonardo da Vinci's real-life apprentices. When Leonardo tells Zoro that one day "people will sail through the clouds and look down at the world below," the boy believes him. After all, "anything seemed possible in Leonardo's busy studio." But when Zoro and Salai, a mischievous urchin Leonardo has taken in (also seen in Guido Visconti and Bimba Landmann's The Genius of Leonardo, reviewed Sept. 18), sneak into their master's secret workshop and take his flying machine for a spin, there's trouble ahead. The story is relayed with verve, and the spry colored-pencil drawings that detail Zoro's escapades boast numerous comic touches (such as Leonardo nearly tripping over his oversize red slippers in his haste to get back to his studio when struck by inspiration) and sly references to Leonardo's body of work (backward writing on the endpapers; copies of his botanical drawings, inventions and character studies; even a Mona Lisa reproduction). A fun-filled and accessible introduction to one of science and art history's most fascinating figures. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.