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“Young Leonardo” by Douglas Gayeton

a children’s book series published in Italy by Bartolomeo Press.

[take a look inside the book]

[download the cover]

When the Renaissance town of Vince faces a serious drought, an enterprising nine year-old boy named Leo takes it upon himself to save the town.  His plan: change the course of a nearby river so its waters flow to Vinci.

Helping Leo are an unlikely cast of characters, including Machiavelli, a crafty bird; Olmo, a lumbering, hardworking donkey; and a philosophy-spouting turtle named Ruga.  With their help Leo’s masterful plan is finally realized ... but with unexpected results.

This book is inspired by real events in the life of Leonardo, including his change meeting with Machiavelli that led to their ill-fated attempt to divert the flow of the Arno in 1504.