The Last Notebook of Leonardo

by B.B. Wurge

Praise for Squiggle and Billy and the Birdfrogs : "The characters are exceptional, weird, true to life, funny, scary, different, and definitely perk the story . . . an exceptional job. . . . Children will truly enjoy this book."— Midwest Book Review " Billy survives by the sheer weight of its own insane internal logic. . . . For those funny-book junkies out there, Billy fulfills a need. Downright weird, and that's a-okay with me, it's worth a gander."— School Library Journal "One of the best books we have read this year . . . intelligent, well composed, with a strong narrative, likable characters, and just enough scariness and tension to make it hard to put down."— BooksForKids.com "Mystery, suspense, and conflict build a plot of nonstop adventure. Character development is superb . . . clever illustrations, delightful humor, and a marvelous story. . . . Entertaining, downright funny, and highly imaginative. A great read."— Midwest Book Review Jem's father, a scientific genius, turns himself into a nine-foot orangutan. When their landlord suggests that they leave, they pack their belongings onto a huge wagon and set out on the ultimate to find the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who, according to his last notebook, may not have died in Italy. They are joined by an old Indian woman, and the threesome's adventures lead to the most unlikely of places—and meetings. Tidbits of science, fun facts about da Vinci and his works, and B.B. Wurge's trademark wacky humor, minimalist illustrations, and lessons on the importance of family make this third novel as exciting as the last two.

Genres: Fantasy

154 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2010

Reviews

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a few people encourage me to read this book. At least two people spoke of the moral lessons to be learned. I don't get it. It was quirky and fun but also pretty ridiculous.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mad scientist (but a good dad) turns himself into an orangutan, and his 10 year old son, Jem, must face the consequences and co-manage a new lifestyle. The orangutan dad has a fixation on finding the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, so that goal is superimposed on a new life of wandering and tent camping.

This detailed fairy tale for middle-grade readers was entertaining for me. It is full of humor and pseudo facts and some wild theories about Dad's hero, Leonardo. The story is a practical guide to impossibilities yet laced with wisdom about real life and creativity.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imaginative.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book absolutely hilarious - premise, dialogue, the works. I think this one would appeal to fans of the madcap adventures and off-the-charts-weirdness of Daniel Pinkwater's novels. You have to be willing to completely (completely!) suspend disbelief, but the story is just so strange and silly that I happily put reality (and science) aside and enjoyed myself. I have already put holds on B. B. Wurge's other books and hope to find that they are equally strange and bizarre.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this was pretty wacky. Weird, but un-selfconsciously so, unlike say the Cuthbert Soup or M.T. Anderson stuff. A boy's inventor father transforms himself into an orangutan, then goes in search of Leonardo Da Vinci in upstate N.Y. Ends up on the moon.

[Debbie Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

great pictures, fun premise, starts off really well and ends a bit..oddly, but a nice quirky book

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max liked this one more than I did. He read it first, I'm on chapter five. Not a plausible storyline, but somewhat humorous in parts and you learn a little bit about Leonardo DaVinci, too.

[Ben R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good for anybody who likes books that are crazy and unexpected

[Terry]

Humorous moments add fun to this father-son adventure. Readers who enjoy mysteries will also enjoy the quest to find Leonardo Da Vinci's last notebook.

Great fun for readers who love dad-and-their-kid stories.