Jackie and the Mona Lisa

This narrative nonfiction tale spotlights Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), her filling the White House with historically significant furniture to make "a living museum," and efforts to inspire the public with art--particularly when she negotiated a 1963 loan of the Mona Lisa to museums in Washington, D.C., and New York City. Murphy narrates simply, with an attention to detail that will please young fact finders: "The Mona Lisa was placed in a bulletproof and waterproof container that could even float if the ship sank!" Bricking's slender, thin-lined figures of varying ages, abilities, and skin tones, rendered in a cool palette, have a cartoonish bent in this straightforward, art-centered profile of a beloved first lady. Back matter includes more about Onassis and the Mona Lisa. Ages 7-8. (Mar.)

Gr 1-4--This lively story keeps the focus wholly on Jackie Kennedy, her love of art, and her desire to share it with the public. (Murphy does not name JFK, calling him "the president," and he appears in only a couple illustrations.) It's Jackie's energy, diplomacy, and mastery of French that transforms the White House into a "living museum" and brings the Mona Lisa to the U.S. for Americans to see. Jackie was a true cultural ambassador, and readers will understand the impact of the First Lady's vision. Bricking captures Jackie's 1960s style and vivacious personality, and renders a really decent version of "the world's most famous painting." Back matter includes "More About Jackie" and "More About Mona Lisa" but no bibliography or further reading. VERDICT This book may well inspire museum visits; a delightful addition to public or elementary school shelves.--Jenny Arch