Review by Booklist Review
Mella wants to paint, but girls aren't allowed to join the artists' guild. So, instead, she works as a chicken girl, caring for the flock when she's not busy cleaning brushes for the artists in Botticelli's studio. She's desperate to become an apprentice herself, so when a junior apprentice to the great artist steals some of her sketches and claims them as his own, she makes a deal with him: she will teach him how to draw and he will teach her how to paint. Within the story, the reader is taken through the steps of building a frame, preparing the canvas, and making the paint, explaining how each step adds to the creation of a masterpiece worthy of the Sistine Chapel. Lush, detailed backgrounds add texture to the story and gorgeous soft color illuminates each panel. A dense author's note offers more detail about the historical inspirations for her characters and some pertinent art history, nicely expanding the story and providing some useful context. Delightful for fans of art, artists, and historical fiction.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--7--Mella, a clever and talented young artist, dreams of becoming an apprentice to a master painter. But in Renaissance Italy, such opportunities are denied to girls. The closest she can get is tending chickens and cleaning brushes in Botticelli's studio. When Datus, the youngest apprentice, passes off Mella's drawings as his own and earns praise, Mella is furious--until she realizes she can use her talent to her advantage. In exchange for secret drawing lessons, Datus teaches Mella the techniques of Renaissance art, from preparing gesso panels and crafting brushes to mixing egg tempera paints. Mella's journey is both historical and strikingly universal, reflecting the challenges girls have faced in fighting for the opportunities freely given to boys. As Mella hones her skills, she gains confidence, forms an unexpected friendship with Datus, adopts a hapless and mischievous dog, and builds a meaningful connection with a reclusive widow for whom she is secretly creating a painting. The art is effectively rendered in a Renaissance-inspired style, bursting with bold colors and intricate details. Artistically inclined readers will relish the step-by-step depictions of traditional art techniques, while extensive back matter offers even more insight into the period. VERDICT This graphic novel is a must-have for libraries serving upper elementary and middle school readers, blending history, artistic passion, and a timeless message of determination.--Amy Ribakove
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Set in Italy during the Renaissance, this graphic novel introduces readers to Mella, a young girl who works at Sandro Botticelli's painting studio. Because girls and women aren't allowed to be members of the artists' guild or even to be apprentices, Mella is only allowed to clean brushes and tend the chickens at the maestro's studio. But Mella loves to draw and has a real talent for it. When Datus, Botticelli's junior apprentice, takes her drawing and passes it off as his own, he and Mella have a spat that tests their previously teasing, humorous friendship. But as they learn to respect each other's needs, they strike a bargain: Datus will teach Mella how to prepare gesso panels, construct brushes, and mix egg tempera paints, and Mella will teach him how to draw. This story provides fascinating instructions on making paints and brushes that will inspire artistically minded readers, and it showcases the indomitable will of young women who lived in a time when they had defined--and, for the most part, subservient--roles in society. The book's panels cleverly use a color palette that harks back to the natural pigment colors available in the 15th century, with the artwork accurately depicting historical settings and costumes. Charming and inspiring: an empowering feminist story enlivened by historically accurate artistic techniques. (glossary, art notes)(Graphic historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
