Michelangelo's world

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-- Ventura's minutely detailed scenes of Renaissance life decorate a translated text that is heavy with Italian place names and references to famous people in Renaissance history. The concept is good. Michelangelo, as an old and enfeebled sculptor, remembers the past and recounts the circumstances in which he created his most famous works: the Pieta, the statue of David, the tombs of Julius II and the Medici princes, the painting of the Sistine chapel, and the plans for St. Peter's cathedral dome. Unfortunately, neither text nor illustrations offer much insight into the personality and character of the artist. Further, there is a feeling of discrepancy between the even-toned, fact-based narrative and the lighthearted, miniatured drawings filled with comic detail. In many instances it is difficult to see what part of the text is being illustrated, and even more difficult to identify the figure of Michelangelo in the crowded group scenes. Despite its disappointing features, Ventura's pictures do make this an attractive volume, and it should be a good purchase for the art shelf. A chronology of Michelangelo's life and a photographic display of his principal works in the last pages add to the usefulness of this informational picture book for older children. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, N.J. PAPERBACK ROMANCEROUNDUP Reviewed byDoris Fong Benson High SchoolPortland, Oreg. NACHOS