This was really cute! I didn't love the art style but I did love the story. Lots to love for kids regardless of if they are artists themselves.

What a cute graphic novel about how painting worked back in Botticelli’s time, but also about telling the truth, and helping out our friends because it’s the right thing to do.

I love art history and art-related historical fiction, but this was just okay to me. I appreciated the art style and historical facts, but did not care much about the characters.

This historical graphic novel is an interesting look at the people around the artist. Many Renaissance era artists had studios fully of apprentices, servants, and other workers responisble for buying materials, preparing panels, mixing paints, washing brushes, and even working on paintings. In this story, Mella is just a chicken girl responsible for animals and menial tasks, but she longs to be a painter. She practices all the time and is quite good, but as a girl, she is unable to become an apprentice. But Mella is not a girl to give up. She will keep working and helping until someone, even another apprentice, takes notice and gives her a chance.

A delightful middle grade historical fiction about some of the great artists! Great references in the back about women in art. Artists’ apprentices are some of the unsung heroes of their time, so a glimpse into this world was just good fun!

Ursula Murray Husted deserves accolades for her portrayal of a chicken girl who wants to become a painter. The story feels authentic, from the small details (like the dog with a taste for anything indigestible) to the larger plot points (how hard it can be to make a path in the world as a woman when men don't want to make space for you, and are happy to claim your work as their own). I enjoyed the nuanced characters and the explanation of the details of painting. The artwork was charming too, and fit together very well with the story. I think the scenes with apprentice painter Datus visiting his large rambunctious family show the best use of space. Chaos and multiple conversations swirl around Mella (the chicken girl/painter) and Datus obtain the board needed to create the perfect painting, and Mella learns how much Datus is also powerless, with his path in life determined by his family's selection of painting as his craft.

This is a vibrant original story, a quiet masterpiece, with plenty of historical research and concrete details filling in the background and making it come to life!

This graphic novel was a fun and interesting read. The story weaved information on different art elements and techniques used at the time which was a a fun way to learn about something I know very little on. It also showed how exclusive the art world and business could be. I think this would be a great middle school read but I think older grades could also enjoy this.

Publisher provided e-arc for honest review.
Lots of back matter at the end of the book explaining historical facts and women in art.
Enjoyable story of a young chicken girl who has the talent but not the opportunity to be an artist’s apprentice, of Botticelli (or any artist).

She teams up with Botticelli’s youngest apprentice who can’t draw and trades her drawing skills for him teaching her how to prepare paint, canvas, etc.
this book was very good and sneaky about educating us about making your own paint, canvas, brushes, fresco painting, etc.
Blue the dog stole the show whenever she was on page. The art style wasn’t always my favorite but the MC was always expressive and her big feelings come across.
Definitely feel I could booktalk this title to my upper elementary summer reading outreach visits!

In Botticelli's Apprentice, Ursula Murray Husted immerses us in the heart of the Italian Renaissance with a graphic novel that is rich in history, art, and personal growth. The story follows Mella, a talented young woman whose dream is to become an apprentice to the great masters of Florence, like Botticelli. However, she lives in an era where being a woman is a significant barrier, as society denies her the same rights and opportunities given to men. This narrative, which addresses themes of empowerment and gender discrimination, serves as a powerful reflection on art and the struggle for recognition.

Husted strikes a perfect balance between visual storytelling and text. Each page is a visual delight, with illustrations full of intricate details that transport us to Renaissance Florence, capturing not only the beauty of the era but also the social tensions that shaped it. The protagonist, Mella, is an example of determination and creativity. Her passion for art and her desire to break free from the societal limitations imposed on her gender make her a captivating and modern character. The narrative not only inspires but also educates, introducing us to a key period in art history while addressing universal themes such as perseverance and the courage to follow one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles.

With a strong protagonist and stunning visual style, Botticelli's Apprentice is a perfect graphic novel for young readers, especially those interested in art, history, and the fight for equality. This work, full of empowerment and valuable lessons, is a must-read for those seeking a narrative that combines entertainment with deep reflection.

3 Reasons to Read Botticelli's Apprentice

1. Female Empowerment: Mella’s story is an inspiration for any young person who dreams of overcoming societal barriers. Her bravery and determination to carve out a place for herself in the art world reflect a powerful message of equality and perseverance.

2. A Lesson in History and Art: This isn’t just an engaging story; it’s also a window into the Italian Renaissance. Through its illustrations and narrative, readers learn about this fascinating period in art history, with a protagonist who defies the limits of her time.

3. Stunning Visual Style: The illustrations in the novel are breathtaking, filled with details that capture the essence of the Renaissance. Each page not only advances the story but transports the reader to the Florence of the time, offering an enriching visual experience.

This middle grade graphic novel historical fiction takes place during the Renaissance, but the story of a girl who faces gender discrimination is timeless. Girls can not be official apprentices in Florence, but Mella longs to work on paintings instead of doing chores. When a talentless apprentice take credit for her drawings, Mella must find a way to stand up for herself. The story is empowering, and the art is absolutely delightful. Husted's backgrounds are so detailed that the reader feels like they are actually in Florence. The book will entertain young girls looking for a strong female protagonist or any child who likes stories with an underdog. But the book also educates as well as entertains. I learned a lot of art history from this story.

Really loved the heart laced throughout every aspect of this story. From the lived in, warm art style itself to the story of a girl who wants to passionately paint her days away, there's so much joy to be found in the sometimes unfair and difficult circumstances of their time period. The talk of gender and class discrimination is thoughtfully approached and satisfying as it evolves. The narrative arc of a boy who has everything that our main character wants but without the natural artistic talent, with him going from snooty to empathetic and endearing, was so well done. Even though I predicted the outcome quite early on it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the journey at all.

This is such a great take on Renaissance art and artists. Kids will learn a little bit about history and art while they enjoy a very relatable story about a girl struggling to fit into a male world and a boy struggling to live up to expectations. And hopefully they'll learn something from the friendship they share as well.

Mella is a chicken girl, which isn’t so bad, but what she truly desires is to be an artist. Mella envies Datus because he is an artist’s apprentice, even though he can barely draw. But Datus found Mella’s sketches and took full credit for her work. Mella must work hard to become the artist she dreams of becoming and take credit for her work.

This book was an enjoyable read, and I thoroughly liked it. The art style and color palette were beautiful. Among the well-developed characters, my heart truly belonged to the playful stray dog named Blue, whose mischievous antics brought an extra layer of joy and warmth to the tale.

In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a delightful read infused with historical nuances and unforgettable moments. It’s a journey well worth taking!

I really loved the art style of this book. The art is what drew me in to begin with, but the story did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story from the very first page.

"Botticelli’s Apprentice" by Ursula Murray Husted is a historical graphic novel set in 1400s Florence, Italy. The story follows Mella, a young girl whose family works for the renowned painter Sandro Botticelli. Mella dreams of becoming Botticelli's apprentice, though the odds seem stacked against her. She is known as the Chicken Girl and she takes care of the chickens and other non-glamourous jobs like washing the paint brushes. The plot thickens with the introduction of Datus, Botticelli's official apprentice, who struggles with his artistic skills. As an apprentice, Datus is responsible for making the canvas, mixing paints and plaster and other odd jobs. Botticelli is not really teaching him anything at this point. Datus steals one of Mella’s drawings and claims it as one of his own. Mella is mad, but she knows no one would believe her if she said it was hers. Eventually, Datus apologizes for what he did and their tense relationship blossoms into a heartwarming friendship, showcasing themes of empowerment, collaboration, and the art-making process. Husted's vibrant illustrations echo Botticelli’s style, immersing readers in the world of Renaissance art.

Librarians can suggest this book to art teachers and they will love the biography and art history in the book. . This graphic novel serves as an excellent entry point for discussions about the Renaissance, highlighting the social dynamics and challenges faced by women artists during that time. Librarians can organize themed book clubs or reading circles where students engage in discussions about Mella’s journey and the importance of creativity. This book went into a lot of detail about some of the techniques and materials used during this time. I really liked the description of how lapis lazuli was made into paint and used by artists. While the lapis lazuli material is not a reality in school, librarians and teachers could still set up art workshops inspired by the techniques mentioned in the book, such as how to make tempera paints or canvas panels. This hands-on approach encourages students to explore their own artistic talents while learning about historical art processes. The author provides some great classroom activities on her website, along with some technique videos that are mentioned in the book. The glossary at the front of the book is an ideal place for it and defines the more unfamiliar terms before actually getting to them in the text. I also enjoyed the author notes at the end to put part of the fiction and non-fiction into context. This book would also be a great lead into a information/media literacy lesson on copyright. This book is a highly recommended choice for upper elementary to middle school students. A wonderful addition to any school library.

A historical fiction graphic novel perfect for junior readers.

Botticelli’s Apprentice follows a young girl named Mella who loves to paint and is determined to eventually become one of Sandro Botticelli’s apprentices.

While Mella and her story are works of fiction, the graphic novel does a great job of really capturing Renaissance Italy and all of the social aspects of the time. From the walls of the Sistine Chapel to the countryside, young readers get a taste for the past life of Italy. Ursula Murray Husted weaves together a nice and engaging tale really rooted in the time and culture of the 1400s. The book covers a variety of themes from lying to the struggles of womanhood to grief; Husted really packs in the lessons in this relatively short graphic novel.

That being said, I found this graphic novel to be rather sad? The characters feel constantly at ends with one another, and even when Mella and Datus start working together, they still constantly snap at each other and take one another for granted. I understand Mella’s frustrations in not being taken seriously, but she seems to take her anger out on those around her rather than railing against the systemic problems causing them. Maybe that’s a bit too much to expect from a book for younger readers, but I’m not sure this imparted any true lessons like it meant to. Overall, I just didn’t like the mood or tone this graphic novel set. The characters themselves were rarely happy, creating an overall dour mood.

Additionally, I found the art style to be rather amateurish. Could I draw even half as well? Absolutely not. But from a polished, ready-for-print graphic novel, I expected more refinement. It’s ironic that sections of the novel talked about perspective while simultaneously not feeling like they were drawn with the same dedication. Maybe I’m missing some context here as someone who generally lives outside of the art scene. That said, I don’t think young readers will necessarily be as put out by the art style as I found myself.

As an introduction into the Renaissance, women’s rights, and the making of art, I think this book does an admirable job. There’s a real focus in the latter half on introducing new art-focused vocabulary that is great for expanding the palate of new readers. However, as far as storytelling goes, I found this graphic novel to be less than inspiring.

oh i love this.

set in Florence, Italy in 1400s, this story follows Mella, a girl whose family works for Botticelli. her job is to tend the aves and clean the brushes. being Botticelli’s apprentice is her dream but the chance is next to impossible. then there’s Datus, Botticelli’s real apprentice who keeps testing her patience and can’t even draw!

They initial interaction wasn’t friendly at all. But eventually Mella agreed to teach him how to draw but in exchange he has to teach her whatever he learned from being Botticelli’s apprentice. So the deal was struck.

This book felt heartwarming, light, but also empowering and insightful. There’s some interesting art process in the past, like how to make glue, canvas panels, tempera paints, how to transfer ketch to canvas, etc.

I love how Ursula put details in the illustrations, and how vibrant and bright the colors are. Tiny thing that annoyed me, tho, was the dog. God she’s problematic. But other than that, no notes!

Botticelli’s Apprentice by Ursula Murray Husted is a beautifully crafted graphic novel that combines stunning artwork with a captivating historical narrative, making it perfect for young readers interested in art and history. Set in Renaissance Florence, the story follows a young apprentice working under the legendary Sandro Botticelli, offering a rich, immersive glimpse into the world of art and creativity. Husted’s illustrations are a visual masterpiece, echoing Botticelli’s style with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the era to life. The blend of relatable characters, educational content, and breathtaking visuals makes this a must-read for kids and a wonderful way to inspire a love for art and storytelling. Highly recommended!

This was such a cute histroical fiction graphic novel about Renaissance Italy and being an apprentice for Botticelli (or a would-be apprentice, as it were). The character development and peek into a child's life in Florence, Italy were very sweet and it was very informative for anyone interested in art history. The author has a fantastic information section at the end, explaining some of the background and history of Botticelli, the era in which he lived, and what life would be like for girls, especially, in the world at that time.

This was a wonderful story and I recommend this for art teachers, school libraries, and public libraries everywhere!

A young girl whose family works for Boticelli longs to be a painter but she spends her days with the chickens. When Boticell's apprentice "borrows" her drawing and takes credit for it, she blackmails him into teaching her about painting.
Will give young readers a view of how very differently girls and women have been treated throughout history.