This family-friendly novel on Leonardo da Vinci gives students another glimpse at this exciting Renaissance man Or a first look. It is third in the series of historically based novels on da Vinci's life - The Life and Travels of Da Vinci (after Leonardo the Florentine and Leonardo: Masterpieces in Milan) - but they can be read in any order; no prior knowledge of him is required to enjoy this story. This novel covers a short, but key period in his life - late 1499 and early 1500. The French have invaded Milan, the Duke has gone into hiding, and Leonardo is without a patron. He travels to Mantua and then on to Venice with his good friend, the mathematician, Luca Pacioli. Along the way they discuss the work they have done, the architecture they are seeing, and much more - all in an interesting story.