Leonardo Beautiful Dreamer

Published by Dutton Children's Books, 2003

Winner of the prestigious Golden Kite Award for Excellence in Children's books.

From the New York Times, November 16, 2003:

"Byrd uses a handsome cartoon style and a riot of color, a choice that has several results. First, it emphasizes Leonardo's enthusiasm and humor: he was a joker, a storyteller and a designer of ephemeral entertainments. Second, the style estranges the reader from Leonardo's time period. Leonardo faced specific challenges; for example, because he was born out of wedlock, he could not study at a university. He chased and served patrons, including a pope, a king, a duke and a warlord." Read the entire New York Times review.

Order the book here.

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© 2008 Robert Byrd. All rights reserved.