The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa painting from the Louvre Museum in Paris, exploring the aftermath and impact of the heist. It details how the event propelled the Mona Lisa to global fame and transformed it into the iconic painting it is today. The narrative follows the potential culprits, including theories involving an international gang, an American millionaire, and painter Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the book delves into Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary life, suggesting the painting should never have existed. The nonfiction narrative, aimed at middle-grade readers and accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, unfolds like a thriller, intertwining crime, celebrity, and artistic genius.
Age
10-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Mona Lisa is considered such an important painting?
What emotions do you think the characters felt during the heist?
How do you think the story would change if the painting was never found?
What have you learned about how art impacts people around the world?
If you could speak to the artist, Leonardo da Vinci, what would you ask him about the Mona Lisa?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, ensure that the child has grasped the basic plot and historical context. This foundation will make deeper conversations more meaningful.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers in such discussions. This can make them feel more comfortable sharing their ideas.
Relate the discussion to personal experiences or current events to make the connection stronger and the conversation more relatable.
Ask your child to visualize being part of the story and consider what role they’d play. Would they be the detective, the artist, or perhaps the one who notices the painting is missing?
End the conversation by asking your child how they would prevent such a heist if they were in charge of protecting valuable artwork. This encourages creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of art and culture
Explanation: The story illustrates the significance of the Mona Lisa, showcasing how art weaves through the fabric of society and history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural artifacts and may be inspired to explore art and its history.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork
Explanation: The narrative covers the collaborative efforts of the investigators and experts in recovering the stolen artwork.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work together with others towards achieving common goals, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book delves into the strategies and techniques used by the investigators to solve the crime of the stolen Mona Lisa.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems systematically and think critically to find solutions in daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: The story explores the repercussions of the theft on the characters involved and the wider community.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that their actions have consequences, prompting them to consider the effects before acting.
Example Lesson: Resilience during adversity
Explanation: The book shows how individuals and communities rally and recover from the theft, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain resilient and hopeful even when faced with difficulties or disappointments.