Review: The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Written by Nicholas Day

Illustrated by Brett Helquist

New York: Random House Studio, 2023. Informational. 276 pages.

Did you know that in 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen from off the wall of the Lourve Museum in Paris? This book tells the story of not only the theft and subsequent recovery of the Mona Lisa, but also gives background on Da Vinci himself and how the Mona Lisa came to be. Along the way you'll learn more background information about the theft including the rise of forensic science in solving crimes and how the media response turned the Mona Lisa from a relatively obscure painting to the most famous smile in the world. In addition, you'll hear about how well known figures like J.P. Morgan and Pablo Picasso were almost implicated in the investigation of the theft.

The length of this book makes it most appropriate for older elementary readers. Those who are familiar with the Series of Unfortunate Events books will love the illustrations, which are done by the same artist as that series. If your child is interested in history, art, or heists, this book is a stellar read.

Comments

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

Funny Farm by Mark Teague 2009

There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin Illustrated by Leslie Evans Charlesburg; 2009; unpaged Faces of the Moon is a short nonfiction book that describes the different phases of the moon and why the moon appears like it does on certain nights. This book is short and sweet so even the youngest of moon lovers will enjoy it. The layout is simplistic and easy to follow. I don’t know much about the moon so I found it very interesting.

Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Search This Blog