I Am Leonardo Da Vinci: Ordinary People Change the World
#12 of 32 in Ordinary People Change the World Series
What’s inside...
A biographical picture book about Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds in history, highlighting his inventions, art, and fascinating ideas. The story is told in a fun and engaging way, with colorful illustrations and a conversational tone, making it accessible to young readers. The book also includes a timeline of Leonardo's life and a note from the author on the importance of following one's passions and curiosity. It is part of the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series that focuses on the traits that made historical figures great and how kids can aspire to these traits, featuring a lively, conversational style and including childhood influences and a timeline with photos at the back.
Character compass
Leonardo Da Vinci
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Leonardo da Vinci extraordinary?
How do you think his curiosity helped him achieve great things?
Can you think of a time when being persistent helped you learn something new?
If you could ask Leonardo da Vinci one question, what would it be?
How can we use our own creativity to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how they can use their unique skills to solve problems, just like Leonardo did.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and how asking questions about the world around us can lead to great discoveries.
Relate Leonardo’s experiences to your child’s daily life and highlight the value of persistence and dedication in achieving goals.
Invite your child to draw or create something inspired by Leonardo’s work, fostering a hands-on understanding of his artistic and scientific contributions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in facing challenges
Explanation: The book portrays Leonardo Da Vinci confronting and overcoming obstacles in his pursuit of knowledge and artistic mastery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties, whether in school or in their personal endeavors, embodying the resilience demonstrated by Da Vinci.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: Da Vinci's insatiable curiosity about the world and continuous self-education are highlighted, showing his broad interests from anatomy to engineering.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore diverse subjects, ask questions, and maintain a strong desire for knowledge throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story emphasizes Leonardo's imaginative prowess, from conceptualizing flying machines to painting masterpieces.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their creativity to solve problems and express themselves through art, building, or any creative outlets.
Example Lesson: Importance of observation
Explanation: Leonardo Da Vinci's keen observational skills are depicted as fundamental to his success, showing how he meticulously studied both art and science.
Real-World Application: Promotes attentive observation skills in children, encouraging them to notice details around them and learn from the environment.
Example Lesson: Integrating arts and sciences
Explanation: The book showcases how Leonardo merged artistic creativity with scientific inquiry, leading to innovations and masterful artworks.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to appreciate and integrate multiple disciplines, understanding that creativity and analytical skills can complement each other to produce exceptional results.