Tag Archives: Filippo Brunelleschi

Pippo the Fool – Brunelleschi’s Dome for Children

Just published!

Pippo is the nickname of Filippo Brunelleschi. He was a goldsmith in Florence with a knack for design. When a contest is announced to design a dome for the cathedral, Pippo decides he will compete. His rivals (older, wealthier, more accomplished) scorn him and laugh at his ideas. But Pippo is the only contestant who has worked out all the practical details of how to build a dome that will be 300 feet tall!

Fern and Estrada have created a delightful story for children about this important event from the history of the Renaissance in Florence. Brunelleschi won the competition and spent sixteen years supervising the construction of the dome. In order to make it work, he had to invent new kinds of bricks, new patterns for fitting them together and quick-drying mortar to hold them in place.

When the Dome was finished, Pippo the Fool is recognized as Pippo the Genius

The text in this delightful story is written for children 8 through 12, but the story will hold the attention of even older students.

Pippo the Fool is a hardback, 48 pages and sells for $15.95 directly from Greenleaf Press.