Renato and the Lion by Barbara DiLorenzo - OPTIONAL

DiLorenzo, Barbara Renato and the Lion.  PICTURE BOOK.  Viking, 2017.  $18.

When Renato and his family leave Florence, Italy during WWII, he bemoans leaving behind his favorite lion statue in the Piazza.  But his father surprises him by creating a brick enclosure for the lion, just like he did for the famous statues in the museum.  It isn’t until many years go by that he returns to Florence with his granddaughter to see his old lion friend.

I was hoping that this picture book was based on more actual events, but it is instead only painted a broad picture of one way Italians used to protect fine art during the war.  As such, it might be okay as a springboard into the topic of art protection or the unseen costs of war. 

EL – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Here's a great link on the author's website about Easter Eggs that were included in the art work!