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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
mattgroot1980's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kendranicole28's review
4.0
Vincent wishes he was spending spring break hanging out with his friends or vacationing some place fun. Instead, he’s staying with his uncle in the Texas countryside. Vincent has a feeling he knows his mom’s reasoning for dropping him and his sister, Lili, off with their uncle for the week: Uncle Leo is an art restorer, and Vincent’s mom wants her son to reconnect with his earlier love of art. Spring break takes a shocking turn when Lilli falls into a famous painting. Vincent goes in after her and discovers that his family is part of a secret society with the power to travel through paintings. With this unique ability comes a high calling: to protect the art from evil forces. Enveloped within this new world, Vincent and his cousin Georgia go in search of Lili, learning about their family, their gifts, and all that is stake throughout their quest.
I read a lot of children’s lit with the kids, but I picked this one up just for me after hearing about it on the Currently Reading podcast. And now, having read it for myself, I can’t wait to pass it on to Charleston! (I read this on audio but purchased the book in print for him to read.) Though the book was faster paced than I would have liked (I would have preferred less action and more character development), I enjoyed this sweet story for its intriguing premise, excellent interdisciplinary teaching potential, and strong themes of loyalty, courage, identity, purpose, and a classic good vs evil storyline. The subject of art and its potential for both good and bad—and the ways it has been historically utilized to impart truth, preserve culture and story, or evoke sympathies—is seen throughout the book, but fits nicely within the story rather than overpowering it.
The book is from a Christian publisher and there are some subtle Christian references, but these too are not overpowering; this is simply a quality story with positive messaging that can be appreciated by readers of all faiths and backgrounds. This would make a great read-aloud or solo read for fans of the Magic Treehouse or Imagination Station books.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook
I read a lot of children’s lit with the kids, but I picked this one up just for me after hearing about it on the Currently Reading podcast. And now, having read it for myself, I can’t wait to pass it on to Charleston! (I read this on audio but purchased the book in print for him to read.) Though the book was faster paced than I would have liked (I would have preferred less action and more character development), I enjoyed this sweet story for its intriguing premise, excellent interdisciplinary teaching potential, and strong themes of loyalty, courage, identity, purpose, and a classic good vs evil storyline. The subject of art and its potential for both good and bad—and the ways it has been historically utilized to impart truth, preserve culture and story, or evoke sympathies—is seen throughout the book, but fits nicely within the story rather than overpowering it.
The book is from a Christian publisher and there are some subtle Christian references, but these too are not overpowering; this is simply a quality story with positive messaging that can be appreciated by readers of all faiths and backgrounds. This would make a great read-aloud or solo read for fans of the Magic Treehouse or Imagination Station books.
My Rating: 4 Stars // Book Format: Audiobook
adancewithbooks's review
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you to Waterbrook and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Beneath the Swirling Sky is a fun but also reflective middle grade book.
We meet Vincent who is being driven towards their great-uncle for their vacation with his adoptive sister Lili. Their parents are taking a cruise and think this vacation is a great way for Vincent's great-uncle to get Vincent back into painting. Too bad that Vincent absolutely does not want that to happen.
On the surface this book seems like an easy way to get kids more interested in art and to get them to learn a little about it. But beneath that surface I think this book is also reflective. Kids who might have been ridiculed for their hobby at school like Vincent, will find a lot of understanding in this book. Adults don't often understand what happens to their kid in those situations. And while this book focuses on painting and paintings, there is an open door to other arts and crafts being just as great and just as creative and just as 'art' as paiting. Like Georgia and her pottery.
What was a downside to this book however was that the only relationship that felt developed was the one between Georgia and Vincent. It was clearly to focal point. I didn't quite feel the relationship, the great one as said by text, that Vincent and his younger sister had or that Georgia had spend a lot of time with their great-uncle. I hope that in its sequel, that I expect is coming, this will be remedied.
Beneath the Swirling Sky is a fun but also reflective middle grade book.
We meet Vincent who is being driven towards their great-uncle for their vacation with his adoptive sister Lili. Their parents are taking a cruise and think this vacation is a great way for Vincent's great-uncle to get Vincent back into painting. Too bad that Vincent absolutely does not want that to happen.
On the surface this book seems like an easy way to get kids more interested in art and to get them to learn a little about it. But beneath that surface I think this book is also reflective. Kids who might have been ridiculed for their hobby at school like Vincent, will find a lot of understanding in this book. Adults don't often understand what happens to their kid in those situations. And while this book focuses on painting and paintings, there is an open door to other arts and crafts being just as great and just as creative and just as 'art' as paiting. Like Georgia and her pottery.
What was a downside to this book however was that the only relationship that felt developed was the one between Georgia and Vincent. It was clearly to focal point. I didn't quite feel the relationship, the great one as said by text, that Vincent and his younger sister had or that Georgia had spend a lot of time with their great-uncle. I hope that in its sequel, that I expect is coming, this will be remedied.
zoeymik's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kellyjmac's review
4.0
I received an ebook copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book. The idea of being about to travel into a painting and the system of magic the author created from there was quite imaginative and novel. I really enjoyed looking up the paintings and artists mentioned to get a fuller picture of the scenes and characters. The story had good pacing and felt mostly resolved by the ending clearly leaving it open to further books. I appreciated the author’s note at the back about her own childhood and family and their relationship with art as well as faith. I’m not a religious person but I was able to enjoy the book as the mentions of God or Jesus or religion were done in a welcoming and open way. The illustrations were amazing! I am a huge fan of Vivienne To and thought they added to the book greatly. The only thing that I would mention that I didn’t enjoy was that the tone seemed dark at times while most of the book seemed to target a younger audience. It felt discordant at times. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those interested in learning more about art while enjoying the story.
I really loved the concept of this book. The idea of being about to travel into a painting and the system of magic the author created from there was quite imaginative and novel. I really enjoyed looking up the paintings and artists mentioned to get a fuller picture of the scenes and characters. The story had good pacing and felt mostly resolved by the ending clearly leaving it open to further books. I appreciated the author’s note at the back about her own childhood and family and their relationship with art as well as faith. I’m not a religious person but I was able to enjoy the book as the mentions of God or Jesus or religion were done in a welcoming and open way. The illustrations were amazing! I am a huge fan of Vivienne To and thought they added to the book greatly. The only thing that I would mention that I didn’t enjoy was that the tone seemed dark at times while most of the book seemed to target a younger audience. It felt discordant at times. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those interested in learning more about art while enjoying the story.
gretchenlouise's review
5.0
Beneath the Swirling Sky is a brilliant representation of the intrinsic power of art and the ageless importance of creativity. The first in The Restorationists, a new series by Carolyn Leiloglou, it's YA fiction that should be read by all ages.
Carolyn skillfully weaves historic details about artists and their pieces into a fantasy tale that will captivate young and old. I learned about Van Gogh and his Starry Night along with other artists I'd barely heard of. And the illustrations from Vivienne To really make the book come alive!
As a second-generation homeschool mom, I especially appreciated the way Carolyn portrayed the homeschooled heroine. I also enjoyed the sibling and cousin relationships between Vincent, Lili, and Georgia.
But what I loved best about Beneath a Swirling Sky was the way it so beautifully portrayed how "art expresses beauty and truth."
Well done, Carolyn! I can't wait to read the next book.
Carolyn skillfully weaves historic details about artists and their pieces into a fantasy tale that will captivate young and old. I learned about Van Gogh and his Starry Night along with other artists I'd barely heard of. And the illustrations from Vivienne To really make the book come alive!
As a second-generation homeschool mom, I especially appreciated the way Carolyn portrayed the homeschooled heroine. I also enjoyed the sibling and cousin relationships between Vincent, Lili, and Georgia.
But what I loved best about Beneath a Swirling Sky was the way it so beautifully portrayed how "art expresses beauty and truth."
Well done, Carolyn! I can't wait to read the next book.
kmp's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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