• Age: 5 to 10
• Grade: k to 5

A Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selection for 2005

Nominated for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Illustration for 2004

Marietta's father, Jacopo Tintoretto, is a renowned and famous artist living in Venice during the Renaissance era. More than anything, Merietta wants to paint like her father. But Marietta is a girl--to work and study with her father she must disguise herself in boy's clothing. Her hose and doublet allow her to accompany her father to the studios and galleries of Venice with the paint box her father has given her.

When Marietta meets Piero, a young cabin boy, she is envious of everything he sees sailing the oceans--mountains, meadows and seas far from Venice. But Piero, sold into slavery to the ship's captain, only dreams of staying at home and learning to paint. As the friendship between the two grows throughout the summer, they make plans that will allow Piero's dreams to come to fruition. And when the time for Piero's escape home arrives, Marietta's special gift of her cherished paint box makes his trip extra special.

Maxine Trottier is a prolific writer of books for young people. Born in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan on May 3, 1950, she moved to Windsor, Ontario in Canada with her family ten years later. In 1974 she became a Canadian citizen. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.Maxine spent 31 years working as an educator in elementary classrooms, guiding children toward literacy. The students in her class, who of course thought of her only as their teacher, saw each step in the creation of a new work. They heard the unillustrated story, saw the roughs, and were the first to view the finished book.Maxine lives with her husband William and their two Yorkies, Ceilidh and Moon. They divide their year between Port Stanley, Ontario on Lake Erie, and Newman s Cove, Newfoundland, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Both are wonderful places to write.

Maxine Trottier's profile page

Stella East's profile page

"Her story of Marietta and Piero, told in a simple and stately prose, manages to suggest a sixteenth century manner of speaking. In a few short pages, she creates believable characters, a vivid setting and a gripping theme."
Highly recommended
— Canadian Review of Materials

"Historical fact and fanciful fiction interweave making this story of hope and dreams fulfilled one that readers of all ages will enjoy. Stella East's paintings make this book a treasure! Libraries needing more titles to add to their collection in the Renaissance time period will wisely choose this title. A delightful story line, informative author's note, and striking illustrations combine to make this book an excellent choice. This is a paperback edition, modestly priced. This story will be well-loved by all the little artists out there!"
— Lane Education Service District (4 out of 5 Stars)