Pippo the Fool

Pippo the Fool is the true story of Renaissance genius Filippo Brunelleschi — known to all of Florence as Pippo the Fool for his seemingly useless mechanical contraptions — who entered a competition to design a dome for the magnificent but unfinished Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and astounded the world with a revolutionary double-shell design no one else had dared to imagine. Despite being forced to share credit with his arrogant rival Lorenzo, Pippo saw his vision through to glorious completion in a masterpiece that still stands above Florence today.

Tracey E. Fern's warm, witty text and Pau Estrada's richly detailed watercolor illustrations make this an excellent choice for students because it celebrates creativity, persistence, and the courage to trust an unconventional idea — making it a perfect read for art, architecture, engineering, and Renaissance history units.

Publishing Details

Author : Tracey E. Fern

Illustrator : Pau Estrada

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 48

Size: 11.0 x 8.3 inches

Year Published: 2009

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 1st

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Biography

Theme: Art, STEM, Social Studies