Leonardo da Vinci's Life of Invention: A stunningly illustrated children’s book on da Vinci’s life, inventions, art and genius
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
The award-winning author and illustrator behind Darwin's Voyage of Discovery and Really Remarkable Reptiles turns his attention to the Renaissance man: Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci was a master of art, architecture, engineering, mathematics and more. Discover his relationship with the staggering breadth of disciplines he mastered and delve into his most famous works and ideas. Explore his futuristic inventions and his most intimate thoughts, all beautifully illustrated to bring the genius of Leonardo to life. A captivating exploration of one of history’s most celebrated minds.
Age
7-10
Length
95 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Leonardo Da Vinci
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Leonardo da Vinci to create so many different things?
If you could ask da Vinci one question about his inventions, what would it be?
How do you think da Vinci's inventions and art pieces might have changed the world?
What kind of problems do you think da Vinci was trying to solve with his inventions?
Which of da Vinci's inventions do you find the most fascinating and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite invention or artwork of da Vinci before asking your child about theirs.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking how they would improve one of da Vinci’s inventions.
Use descriptive praise to acknowledge your child’s thoughts and ideas during the conversation.
Connect the discussion to real-life by discussing modern inventions and their impact, drawing parallels to da Vinci's work.
Suggest drawing or building a simple invention inspired by the book to deepen understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Continuous Learning
Explanation: The book highlights Leonardo da Vinci's ceaseless pursuit of knowledge and understanding in various fields, from art to engineering.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore diverse interests and never stop asking questions, fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Illustrations and narratives showcase how Leonardo used his imagination to create groundbreaking inventions and artworks.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think creatively in problem-solving and to be innovative, applying these skills in school projects and daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Leonardo faced challenges and failures, yet he persisted with his experiments and projects.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence even when faced with difficulties, helping them understand that setbacks can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: Leonardo’s meticulous approach to his work, whether in sketches or inventions, is evident throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to pay close attention to details in their work, improving their academic skills and encouraging thoroughness in tasks.
Example Lesson: Interdisciplinary Thinking
Explanation: The book portrays how Leonardo da Vinci interlinked various fields of study to enhance his understanding and output, blending art with science.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to draw connections between different subjects and use comprehensive thinking to enrich their understanding and creativity.