In Ursula Murray Husted’s historical fiction graphic novel, Botticelli’s Apprentice, young Mella is a chicken girl who dreams of being a painter like her boss Botticelli. Unfortunately she cannot become his apprentice due to her gender so she lets a boy (Botticelli’s actual apprentice) take credit for her work in exchange for painting lessons. Dog hijinks, occasional jokes, and a reluctant friendship add some entertainment, but overall this is an educational and message focused story with a surprisingly heavy tone.

It is clear from the glossary and 6 pages of art notes that Husted cares deeply about educating middle grade graphic novel readers about creating art in the Renaissance period. It is nice to get a story about the anonymous people who help create great works and the amount of information about the logistics of preparing a canvas alone is impressive. However, the art style, unsteady digital linework with no color blending, is below the standard for modern graphic novels and does a disservice to its topic. The common wisdom (especially in graphic novels) “show, don’t tell” is not followed, often making the art a static vehicle for the text.

Overall, Botticelli’s Apprentice has a positive message, many facts about creating Renaissance art, and a plucky heroine who is easy to root for, but the art style holds it back from its true potential. Would be enjoyed by middle grade readers who are interested in feminism, the Renaissance, or art history.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth