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smorrison4's review
4.0
This was a cool story; I loved how much of this story took place in and around art. I also loved how much information about art Carolyn Leiloglou was able to fit into this story and still keep you interested in what happened to the characters.
The idea of restorationists and distortionists was unique and I am looking forward to reading future books in this series to learn more about what they can do.
The idea of restorationists and distortionists was unique and I am looking forward to reading future books in this series to learn more about what they can do.
alangmaack's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Based on the tried and true theme of good and evil, Beneath the Swirling Sky tells the story of a young boy, Vincent, who goes on a journey to save his sister with the help of his cousin. It's a story that explores family legacy, art and history and of course a little bit of magic! As Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, work to rescue little Lili, Vincent must also confront some lies he came to believe about himself and the gifts he'd been given by God.
This story was fast paced, engaging and I enjoyed it! It would make for a great read aloud, and I loved the illustrations throughout! My daughter is always looking for chapter books with illustrations, and this will be a book she'll read over and over again!
This story was fast paced, engaging and I enjoyed it! It would make for a great read aloud, and I loved the illustrations throughout! My daughter is always looking for chapter books with illustrations, and this will be a book she'll read over and over again!
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping and Death
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
4.0
Vincent is determined to have nothing to do with art. Unfortunately, it's going to be tough this week because he and his sister, Lili, are staying with Uncle Leo, whose house is filled to overflowing with artwork.
It won't take long before Lili surprisingly disappears inside of a famous painting! Now Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, must join forces to rescue her. On their mission, Georgia will introduce Vincent to his family's secret history as the last of the Restorationists - a secret group with the power to travel through paintings.
Now Vincent must confront his own anger while trying to make sense of everything he learns about his family. Who will he become now that he knows there is more to his artistic gifts?
Honestly, I completely enjoyed this book. I absolutely love the connection to famous paintings because it opens so many possibilities for deeper learning and discovery as you read this story with kids. I imagine that my kids and I would have looked up the paintings as we encountered them in the story though I appreciate the complete list included at the end.
The world-building in this first fantasy story was well done. It took me a little bit to picture the way things worked inside the paintings, but I stuck with it and was able to create the images in my mind. The overall concept felt similar to the Pages & Co.: Book Wanderers series but with an art twist. (I say this as a good thing as I loved the Book Wanderers)
NOTE: There is a very clear Christian moment in this book. Vincent and Georgia enter Rembrandt's, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" painting. Vincent makes eye contact with Jesus and feels like Jesus can see in his soul. He feels a sense of love and acceptance instead of the disgust he thought Jesus might feel when he saw how much anger was there.
This Christian moment is brief, and while I am a Christian and liked this portrayal of Jesus, it also felt a bit forced. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to it, but the appearance of Jesus didn't feel natural to me even though it was a painting of a biblical scene. That said, it is a very small moment in a fantastic story.
*If I wasn't a Christian, I would use the painting to talk about this biblical story, the historical figure of Jesus, and some of his followers' beliefs.
Honestly, I highly recommend this book as a fun fantasy adventure story with an amazing art connection that the homeschooling mom in me adores. Definitely pair this up with some learning about Vincent VanGogh and a visit to the art museum!
It won't take long before Lili surprisingly disappears inside of a famous painting! Now Vincent and his cousin, Georgia, must join forces to rescue her. On their mission, Georgia will introduce Vincent to his family's secret history as the last of the Restorationists - a secret group with the power to travel through paintings.
Now Vincent must confront his own anger while trying to make sense of everything he learns about his family. Who will he become now that he knows there is more to his artistic gifts?
Honestly, I completely enjoyed this book. I absolutely love the connection to famous paintings because it opens so many possibilities for deeper learning and discovery as you read this story with kids. I imagine that my kids and I would have looked up the paintings as we encountered them in the story though I appreciate the complete list included at the end.
The world-building in this first fantasy story was well done. It took me a little bit to picture the way things worked inside the paintings, but I stuck with it and was able to create the images in my mind. The overall concept felt similar to the Pages & Co.: Book Wanderers series but with an art twist. (I say this as a good thing as I loved the Book Wanderers)
NOTE: There is a very clear Christian moment in this book. Vincent and Georgia enter Rembrandt's, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" painting. Vincent makes eye contact with Jesus and feels like Jesus can see in his soul. He feels a sense of love and acceptance instead of the disgust he thought Jesus might feel when he saw how much anger was there.
This Christian moment is brief, and while I am a Christian and liked this portrayal of Jesus, it also felt a bit forced. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to it, but the appearance of Jesus didn't feel natural to me even though it was a painting of a biblical scene. That said, it is a very small moment in a fantastic story.
*If I wasn't a Christian, I would use the painting to talk about this biblical story, the historical figure of Jesus, and some of his followers' beliefs.
Honestly, I highly recommend this book as a fun fantasy adventure story with an amazing art connection that the homeschooling mom in me adores. Definitely pair this up with some learning about Vincent VanGogh and a visit to the art museum!
themagicalinbetween's review against another edition
4.0
"There's a difference between making art and making a name for yourself. Making art focuses outside of yourself, on the art itself and the people who will experience it. Making a name for yourself just focuses inward, on what the art can do for you." - Beneath the Swirling Sky
What a creative and interesting adventure story about discovering your gifts while learning to overcome fear. The plot was unique and believable while leaving room for the imagination and a bit of magic/unexplainable. I loved the use of actual works of art and the author's ideas of the importance of creating and preserving art! Especially in how we reflect God's image by being creative and adding beauty to the world rather than taking and destroying. This was a fun read with lots of plot and a few twists and turns. While it felt like there could have been some more character development overall, a fantastic read and I'm excited there will be more in this series.
What a creative and interesting adventure story about discovering your gifts while learning to overcome fear. The plot was unique and believable while leaving room for the imagination and a bit of magic/unexplainable. I loved the use of actual works of art and the author's ideas of the importance of creating and preserving art! Especially in how we reflect God's image by being creative and adding beauty to the world rather than taking and destroying. This was a fun read with lots of plot and a few twists and turns. While it felt like there could have been some more character development overall, a fantastic read and I'm excited there will be more in this series.
loftyace's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vickiannie's review
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
chezler24's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A new middle-grade fantasy series that is bound to grab the attention of its target age range. This book will be fantastic at getting kids interested in the art world, from creating pieces to learning about curators, conservators, and other museum positions. I loved the attention to detail in notifying real art pieces and artist histories while also touching on how art pieces can be used for good and bad by people long after the piece was created. Leiloglou has created a new magic system where individuals could have the ability to travel through paintings and alter their contents (i.e., travelers). Each traveler can then have their unique talent or gift (e.g., navigation, tracker, spelunker, artist, etc.) which helps them interact with the paintings and museum spaces more easily. I would have devoured this book when i was a kid especially since I loved (and still love) going to museums and creating art! Would recommend as a gift for younger readers or for older readers if you want something quick and easy.
(Note: Several referenced to God and Jesus. These scenes felt more or less like I would speak about my religion at this age, but it felt important to note since it came up several times between Vincent's inner monologue and certain paintings explored.)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars but eagerly waiting to see where the series takes us.
(Note: Several referenced to God and Jesus. These scenes felt more or less like I would speak about my religion at this age, but it felt important to note since it came up several times between Vincent's inner monologue and certain paintings explored.)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars but eagerly waiting to see where the series takes us.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Kidnapping
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 I loved the mode of travel here, the artwork, the characters. Such fun!
hheartbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one a lot, but my hesitation to give it higher stars is because of my confusion on what age kid to hand it to. The action/ story line appeals to younger kids, but some of the content and descriptions are geared more towards older MG readers. I do really love that this is a book that focuses on goodness, and I loved the art connections. Overall, I'm looking forward to more of these characters, but I do hope the targeted age gets more consistent..
kvangundy's review
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0