FLY, KITE, FLY!

Leonardo da Vinci becomes the mentor of an aspiring bird catcher in this tale that imagines the master’s meeting with the boy who became the companion of his old age. In 16th-century Italy, Giacomo longs to be a bird catcher like his father, who’s away from home. A messenger from the palace arrives with an order for “the finest red-tailed kite in all of Italy.” This is Giacomo’s chance to prove himself! He travels far and wide, casting his net in vain. On his way home late that night, he spots two beautiful red-tailed kites sitting in the window of a house; the old man who lives there kindly welcomes him in and shows him how to make a beautiful toy kite, with the requested red tail. The Prince is overjoyed, and Giacomo becomes the protégé of the artistic old man, who is, of course, Leonardo. Winch’s brief text is serviceable and his illustrations vibrant and beautifully detailed. An attractive historical episode for early grades; helpful biographical note included. (Picture book. 6-8)