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Published by Viking Books for Young Readers (2017)
Hardcover | $17.99 | 44 Pages
Age Range: 5 - 7 years |
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 2
ISBN-10: 0451476417 |
ISBN-13: 978-0451476418
Here are some more coloring sheets! Illustrator, Christine Colpitts, helped me out with black and white line drawings. Click the images below for PDF download.
Additional resources, behind the scenes, and teaching aids here.
Write-up about the journey to make this book.
Write-up about the research, influenced by author Darlene Beck-Jacobson.
Original, wordless version submitted to Bologna Silent Book Contest.
(Link to 50-page original dummy) |
The touching, magical story of a boy in a war-torn country and the stone lion that rescues him.
Renato loves his home in Florence, Italy. He loves playing with his friends in the Piazza della Signoria. He loves walking home by the beautiful buildings and fountains with his father in the evenings. And he especially loves the stone lion who seems to smile at him from a pedestal in the piazza. The lion makes him feel safe.
But one day his father tells him that their family must leave. Their country is at war, and they will be safer in America. Renato can only think of his lion. Who will keep him safe?
With luminous watercolor paintings, Barbara DiLorenzo captures the beauty of Florence in this heartwarming and ultimately magical picture book.
–Penguin Random House Website
★“This love letter to Florence should spur diverse conversations, from art to history to the plight of refugees.”—Booklist, starred review
BANK STREET COLLEGE
RENATO AND THE LION was listed in the 2018 list of Best Children's Books of the Year for Bank Street (Ages 5-9). "In choosing books for the annual list, committee members consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes."
CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL
RENATO AND THE LION was listed as a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2018 by the Children's Book Council.
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD
RENATO AND THE LION was a Fall 2017 Junior Library Guild selection.
KEYSTONE STATE READING ASSOCIATION
RENATO AND THE LION was a finalist in the 2018 - 2019 Keystone to Reading
Elementary Book Award
List for Intermediate Grades 3 - 6.
“Driven by the notion of safeguarding art during military conflict, this debut portrays a wartime reality that is not commonly addressed. A special book and additional purchase that is best-shared one-on-one.”—School Library Journal
“DiLorenzo's often lovely watercolors are best when capturing nature. The endpapers' sun-washed Florence and Renato's dream-ride over the moonlit Ponte Vecchio are lovely...DiLorenzo's careful research yields a touching tale about art's ability to deeply affect both adults and children.”—Kirkus Reviews
NPR featured images of Renato and the Lion on their social media channels on June 29, 2017.
Tablet Magazine (1.3 million visitors/month) reviewed online, calling Renato ‘ravishing’ ‘entrancing’! “What makes stories beautiful and exciting? Because without a doubt, Renato and the Lion is both. Don’t miss it.”
“Barbara DiLorenzo’s tale was inspired by a true story and shows how a child’s connection to art lasts a lifetime.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“DiLorenzo lavishes attention on Florence’s architectural treasures, and her buildings glow with warmth…DiLorenzo’s story is simultaneously a historical account of a family’s emigration and a dream story about the power of great art.”—Publishers Weekly
“Pure eye candy…take a watercolor-y journey to Florence in this gorgeous debut book from Barbara DiLorenzo. A moving story about a little boy in Italy on the cusp of World War II and his plan to save his most beloved lion statue. When his family is forced to flee to New York, he leaves without knowing the fate of the lion. You’ll have to read it to find out if the lion survived the war.”—Red Tricycle
“With ravishing watercolor illustrations, it combines history and magical realism in a way that will entice the youngest readers…The story stands on its own as a wondrous story of family, love and escape… but it’s even better when used as a jumping-off point for a conversation about history and current events. The parallels to many of our own families’ immigration stories—and to the dangers facing today’s refugees—are hard to miss. What makes stories beautiful and exciting? Because without a doubt, Renato and the Lion is both. Don’t miss it.”—Tablet Magazine
“DiLorenzo’s beautiful watercolor paintings bring Renato and the Lion to life. This visually stunning story enchants as it gently educates. The emotional resonance evokes a timelessness that will charm children with its quiet and heartfelt message.”—Good Reads with Ronna blog
“The power of art and dreams come together in this wonderful historical picture book.”—Waking Brain Cells blog
“Gorgeous watercolor illustrations that will transport you right to Florence and a story that will tug at your heartstrings.”—A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust blog
“I've been waiting for this book. The cover and concept had me hooked before I ever opened the cover. The gentle storytelling and expressive watercolors transport kids to another time and place.”—Bookish Ambition blog |