Elaborate borders surround unique art that follows the life of Nikola Tesla in this picture book biography. From his birth in a thunderstorm in Serbia, Tesla has a sometimes harrowing, sometimes thrilling, but always exciting childhood.
After studying electrical engineering, he set sail for New York, to meet the only person who could, he hoped, appreciate his ideas. Unfortunately, he soon quarreled and parted ways with Thomas Edison. After many years of struggle, his idea for alternating current was realized by George Westinghouse and he became known around the world. His fame did not last long however, after he gave away the rights to his invention and he spent his latter years known as an odd eccentric who spent his days feeding pigeons. After his death, penniless and alone, his accomplishments were remembered and he was given a grand funeral.
An afterword discusses in more detail the life, personality, and philosophy of Nikola Tesla.
Sarda's spiky, retro art style is a good fit for this odd but influential scientist and Westergaard writes a fluid narrative that conveys the impression of a life well-lived, despite poverty and lack of recognition.
Verdict: An interesting and unique biography, this is a good choice to introduce elementary readers to the life of Nikola Tesla and will hopefully interest them in learning more about this time period.
ISBN: 9780593114605; Published July 2021 by Viking Children's Books; Review copy provided by publisher
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