Adventure for Art Lovers

Behind the Canvas

By Alexander Vance

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (February 23, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1250029708

ISBN-13: 978-1250029706

Grade Level: 5-8

Approximate Lexile: 840

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

There is a world behind the canvas. Past the paint of the canvas is a realm where art lives, breathes, creates, destroys.

Claudia Miravista loves art but only sees what is on the surface, until the Dutch boy Pim appears in her painting. Pim has been trapped in the world behind the canvas for centuries by a power-hungry witch, and now believes that Claudia is his only hope for escape. Fueled by the help of an ancient artist and some microwaveable magic, Claudia enters the wondrous and terrifying world, intent on destroying the witch's most cherished possession and setting Pim free. But in that world nothing is quite as it appears on the surface. Not even friendship.

 

My Thoughts:

 You have to understand. I visit art museums on purpose.  I like art. So I was ready to be enchanted by this book.

 

One of the fun things about the book is the notes from a fictitious art book explaining some of the artists and works that are referred to in the story. The quotes are humorous and insightful, and I would probably buy that book if it really existed.

 

This is well written, with some lovely figurative language. For instance [referring to the skyline]: “It stretched its arms wider and wider before the bus and then finally embraced it.” It is also well edited—and I had an uncorrected galley.

 

The story itself was fun, with interesting characters (I heart Cash!). Maybe the least interesting character is Nee Gezicht, the antagonist. I was never really clear on just why she is the antagonist. She wants power, okay, I get that. Why? Just to live forever? She says that’s not entirely it. So what is?

 

Overall, a fun story, particularly for those who feel they are misfits or for those who enjoy art.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Deception, lying to parents, perilous situations.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

The book is appropriate to the target group. Again, particularly fun for art-lovers and anyone who likes a good adventure. Boys and girls equally.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.