Michelangelo's Surprise

A nifty historical tidbit inspired this debut picture book: in 1494, after an unusually heavy snowfall, Piero de' Medici had Michelangelo brought to his palazzo to sculpt a snowman. But Sandro, the youngest page in the palazzo, does not know what Signore Piero has in mind when he calls for ""Ser Buonarroti's"" son, and Sandro runs off to find his father, the chief steward, for the answer. The story is mostly a vehicle for a tour of the bustling palazzo: Sandro runs through the loggia, past balustrades and through the great hall. He finally finds his father--the tallest man in the palace--supporting Michelangelo on his shoulders as the young sculptor creates a snow statue. Parillo's watercolors highlight the architecture of Florence; the first spread is a lovely bird's-eye view of the Duomo and surrounding buildings covered by snow. However, Parillo's figures, though expressive, are somewhat broadly painted, and this detracts from the overall effect. Otherwise, a graceful and original work. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)