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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I want to add a tag that's for kids books that have both a male and female main character. But what to call it? Gender-neutral appeal? That sounds dumb.
Anyway, I really appreciate it when a book strikes me as being equally attractive to both girls and boys, and this is one of those books. Our two little heroes are ridiculously precocious eleven-year-olds who enjoy their teacher's constructivist approach to learning and communicate psychically with art and pentominoes. They set out to solve an international art mystery and guess what? They do!
I wasn't terribly impressed with the way the mystery was wrapped up in a hurry (and didn't even explain just HOW the painting was stolen in the first place), but I really enjoyed the first 90% of the book. Very well done for the most part. (But the "code" in the illustrations is LAME-O (not the figuring-it-out part, but the message it reveals)).
Anyway, I really appreciate it when a book strikes me as being equally attractive to both girls and boys, and this is one of those books. Our two little heroes are ridiculously precocious eleven-year-olds who enjoy their teacher's constructivist approach to learning and communicate psychically with art and pentominoes. They set out to solve an international art mystery and guess what? They do!
I wasn't terribly impressed with the way the mystery was wrapped up in a hurry (and didn't even explain just HOW the painting was stolen in the first place), but I really enjoyed the first 90% of the book. Very well done for the most part. (But the "code" in the illustrations is LAME-O (not the figuring-it-out part, but the message it reveals)).
A fun adventure - art and mystery and following clues and patterns
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
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
I want to give this book three stars, but there is something about it that's stopping me. This is a book about coincidences. Which is a coincidence, because many coincidences have been occurring lately in my life. I really liked the IDEA of this book -- but I feel like there was something about the execution that was lacking. I shouldn't need ten pages of explanation at the end of a mystery...it should all fall together beautifully like a well constructed Domino train. Too much explanation needed. I did like the concept though, and the characters were enjoyable. Also, LOVE Brett Helquist's art, as usual.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I saw the opening quote in the 3rd book by Banksy. Come on! A Banksy quote in a children's book?? There's no question. I read it and loved it because of the references to the art world and the fact that it's an intelligent mystery for kids.
i simply love the thinking. the plot is good but the way they think simply draws me in. i spent a whole day tring to veiw things the way petra or caulder would and it was amazing. this is an amazing book.
This was a fun read aloud with the kids (ages 7 and 10). It led to some interesting discussions about art, what defines art, and why some art is valuable. And we all learned a bit about Vermeer. We also purchased a set of pentominoes, which have already provided them with many hours of puzzle solving joy. Great start to our summer reading, and we've already started The Wright 3.