A fun take on the theft of the Mona Lisa. Facts are interwoven with commentary by the Mona Lisa herself as she endures her violent removal and adventures while being stolen. Interesting perspective on POV and narrative voice. ( )

Summary: This book is told from an incredibly interesting viewpoint: Mona Lisa herself. She tells her story about how she has been passed on and lived in houses of the rich and famous. She was even hidden under a stove at a painter's house for two years in Italy. In a suspenseful tone, she talks about how she was stolen in 1911 and how she resides again on the walls where people admire her beauty and wonder about her enigmatic smile.
Genre: Picture Book
Review: I had no idea the Mona Lisa was even stolen in the first place which is originally why I read this book. The pictures really are absolutely spectacular and tell the story by themselves. Adding the words is just icing on the cake. My favorite aspect of this book was that it was told from the viewpoint of the Mona Lisa. It made it so fun and lively because in reality, the only person who knows what happened is Mona Lisa. This is a great way to teach about the most famous painting in the world.

A great read-aloud for my third graders... they enjoyed the first person narration through the eyes of the painting, and Ruthie Knapp's note at the end about the actual theft in 1911 was informative and entertaining. ( )

Summary: Narrated by the lady of the enigmatic smile herself. Everyone is so fascinated with this picture and wants to know who it is. Then they was informed that the picture was stolen and now they wonder and why? This book tell the tale of the artwork being stolen back then and then when it was returned.

Personal Fiction: Cute book and very clever way of teaching children a little bit about the history of Mona Lisa since many people do not know anything about her until middle school or even high school.

Classroom: I would definitely have my students read this and books similar because with historical events like the Mona Lisa children so not learn till they are older and it could benefit them learning about her at an earlier an age.

Summary: This is a book about the Mona Lisa that was stolen in 1911. This book is a story that is told through the eyes of Mona Lisa and how the world missed her and how it was eventually recovered.

Review: I liked this book. I like books that are told through others eyes.

Extension: Study the history of the Mona Lisa, Paint own painting of the Mona Lisa