Botticelli’s Apprentice is a nice cozy read that is not just a “girl wants to paint because can’t because, you know, “girl” story.” While this book is not a “perfect five” (there are a few things I was not 100% liking (sorry Blue, you’re cute, but OMG what a problem pup!) it is almost there. It was a book I read in almost one sitting (and probably would have if it hadn’t been online). Ursula Murray Husted has a story that is about the time, the art, painting, learning, friendship, family, and the love of art vs. credit. It is a cute, cozy and fun story. The extras at the end center the fictional story in the time and place, giving more of the details of what was historically happening and art itself.
It is due early/mid March 2025 (read via an online reader copy). This will give me time to figure out who needs a copy (my local library, my old elementary school, a couple nieces/nephews). It is not just for girls, as the second main character is male and the theme is universal. I would say perhaps this is a little bit of a Cinderella story, but that makes it too simple. There is a lot going on with it. 
Including the illustrations. They are actually very simple with bold colors, easy lines, minimal to medium details for most scenes (until you get to one character’s family: something like 13 siblings, two parents, six or seven aunts and uncles, and goodness knows how many cousins…). The colors are the best part as they set the mood. For the most part the colors are sunny and bright. They are there to show you the grandeur of things. However, once in a while we get a deeper blue (an important color to the story) that represents the night and how our main female character is feeling/how she will be expressing herself in her work.
This book might not become a classic, but it can become a favorite of your aged 8 to (younger) 13-year-old. There is the sexism of the time mentioned, but honestly I’ve seen more in cartoons meant for toddlers and the death of a pet of a minor character so sensitive readers might not be okay. However, it is tastefully done and not central to things.
I was unaware that this was the same author as A Cat Story, which I enjoyed, but not to the extent of this title. However, if you want to read everything they have written, or if you didn’t like one it is okay as they are different.