Publishers Weekly
In Galileo's Treasure Box (1987) by Catherine Brighton, young Virginia finds the tools of her father's work: two clear pieces of glass (that, combined, would create the modern telescope), a blue glass, a red glass and a feather. An afterword explains their significance; Brighton's artwork, rendered with a Renaissance perspective, makes the most of stairwells, doorways even the leaning tower of Pisa. (July) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature
What would it be like to be the child of a scientist? Brighton explores this question through the eyes of Galileo's young daughter, Virginia. Virginia's father works in the darkness. Her house, then, is very quiet during the day while her father sleeps behind a fine curtain. Tip toeing about, the long afternoons feed her curiosity about this man and his explorations. She is drawn to his study and a box that holds fascinating things¾a piece of round glass, which magically makes things look bigger than they are;glass of red and blue that changes the way the world looks;and a feather from a great bird, light yet strong. Her father tells her that the feather is very important to his work and places it in Virginia's hair. She wears it proudly. She loves her father, this curious man. Though the words are simply said, they reveal the depth of a child's curiosity and admiration for her father. The accompanying paintings reflect the amazement in Virginia's eyes and the beauty of her world. As Dava Sobel says in her introduction, "the magic of Catherine Brighton's book is the creation of a wonderful place where a child can play with the very tools an adult uses to understand the laws of nature." 2001, Walker Publishing, $17.85 and $16.95. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer:Leslie Julian
