Leonardo's Horse

Leonardo's Horse

Written by Jean Fritz

Illustrated by Hudson Talbott

IL: Grades 4-7

RL: 4+

The first part of this uniquely shaped and beautifully illustrated book gives a brief biography of Leonardo da Vinci and introduces us to the 25-foot bronze horse that Leonardo was commissioned to create for the Duke of Milan. Leonardo labored over the horse for over 19 years and never saw it to completion, with many saying that "even on his deathbed he wept over it."

We are next introduced to Charlie Bend, who in 1977 read the story of Leonardo's horse in a magazine. It became his life's work to see it to completion. Unfortunately, in 1994 when Bend was nearly finished he died of Lou Gehrig's disease. Bend's family was determined to fulfill his dream, knowing that Charlie wanted it finished for Leonardo and not for his own glory. They found Nina Akamu, a New York sculptor who was finally able to carry out both Leonardo's and Bend's dreams. The horse was unveiled in Milan in 1999.

This is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book that not would not only work well in art and 7th grade history classes, but also for biography reports on da Vinci.  The unique shape of the book and the ease with which it can be read also attracts the casual reader. The book directs readers to www.leonardoshorse.org for more information.

Fritz, J. (2001). Leonardo's Horse. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.