by Gene Barretta (Author)
In 1781, Thomas Paine came up with a model for a single span bridge; in 1887, Adolf Eugen Fick made the first pair of contact lenses; and in 1907, Paul Cornu built the first helicopter. But someone thought of all these ideas first, over five hundred years ago: Leonardo da Vinci. At once an artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist, da Vinci wrote and drew detailed descriptions of what would later become hang gliders, automobiles, robots, and much more. Gene Barretta cleverly shows how da Vinici's ideas foreshadowed modern inventions, offering a window into the future.
Format: Picture Book
Pages: 40
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: 01 Jul 2016
ISBN 10: 1250079608
ISBN 13: 9781250079602
Book Overview: An introduction to Leonardo da Vinci's genius and the modern inventions he predicted.
Barretta provides clear information without veering into scientific explanations. Readers who most closely associate Leonardo with the Mona Lisa will be inspired by the breadth of his interests and the genius of his observations. This accessible introduction will inspire children to look closely at the world around them and come up with some creations of their own. --School Library Journal
Barreta's colorful and comical artwork keeps the scientific subject matter fun, with smiling, apple-cheeked characters populating the pages and a grey-bearded da Vinci scribbling notes while studying the world around him. A fine choice to introduce the famous man, his peerless ideas, and the forward-thinking role of inventors in general. --Booklist
Energetic, engaging and eclectic--just like its subject. --Kirkus Reviews