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.

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