Mona Lisa(What in the World? Series)

Want to read this on your NOOK? Request as NOOK Book from the publisher

Thank you for requesting this book as a NOOK book from the publisher.

More About This Book

Editorial Reviews
Product Details
Related Subjects

Editorial Reviews

Children's Literature

In conjunction with Creative's The Stolen Smile (from which several of Gary Kelley's illustrations are borrowed), this book is part of the "What in the World" series that examines the Renaissance through Da Vinci and his most famous painting. The strategy of the series is interesting: wrap the entire world's existing culture at one particular moment in time around an extraordinary focal point. A discussion of The Mona Lisa itself thus encompasses brief explorations into Greek and Roman "Humanism," voyages of discovery, and highlights of the Florentine Renaissance—not to mention a biographical discussion of Leonardo himself within his period. It is a formidable task, but Kalz's text flows from one concept to another fairly seamlessly. The illustrations are generally well-chosen and brilliantly reproduced on glossy stock with a handsome library binding. The book is worthy of adding to buy lists for middle school libraries. 2004, Creative Education, Ages 8 to 12.
—Kathleen Karr

VOYA

These two volumes show the range of what is possible in a series where authors attempt to set important creations in historical context. A very brief, half-page description of the invention is followed by a ten-page chapter titled "In the World" in The Light Bulb, with little textual transition between the brief introduction and this chapter. After telling readers that Edison began work on the light bulb in the 1870s, the author jumps in rapid succession to railways, immigration, the telegraph, Argentina's golden age, the birth of artists Paul Klee and Kazimir Malevich, London's economic woes, and the "Scramble for Africa." At the very end of the last page, the importance of light is mentioned, but readers could not be blamed for feeling lost and frequently looking at the cover to reassure themselves that they are still reading the same book. In contrast, The Mona Lisa begins with the history of the Renaissance and goes on to describe artistic and technological environments in Africa, America, and Asia. Although setting a similar environment to The Light Bulb, this chapter is less confusing, for it refers to Leonardo da Vinci and art more frequently, keeping the reader aware of the ties to its main subject, the Mona Lisa. Next comes a biographical chapter, detailing the life of the discoverer. Again The Light Bulb is far ranging, beginning with Edison's birth and not mentioning light in the main text for another ten pages. The Mona Lisa takes as long with da Vinci's biography, but the constant references to art seem more tied to the eventual painting than do the social and scientific biography of Edison to his invention of the light bulb. Finally on page 32 ofeach volume, readers reach the history of the title creation itself. Many illustrations decorate each volume, ranging from a photo of the first light bulb to German advertisements, and from the Portrait of Ginevra de'Benci to the Mona Lisa orchid. The reprints of classic art are beautiful, but the illustrations leave something to be desired. The text is very small for the amount of content in the books and may be difficult for younger readers. The illustrations and colorful covers of these thin books may put off older readers. This series seems to be highly variable. If at all possible, physically examine the books before purchasing. (What in the World?). VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2005, Creative Education, 48p.; Index. Illus. Photos. Chronology., PLB . Ages 11 to 14.
—Beth Karpas

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781583412725
Publisher: Creative Company, The
Publication date: 8/31/2005
Series: What in the World? Series
Pages: 48
Sales rank: 1,355,246
Age range: 9 - 12 Years
Product dimensions: 8.56 (w) x 11.28 (h) x 0.41 (d)

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review

( 0 )

5 Star

(0)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Poor

Below Average

Good

Very Good

Exceptional

Review Guidelines

Tell the world what you think of this product.

Add Recommendations

Your Name: Create a Pen Name or Leave Anonymously

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.

If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble