BEHIND THE CANVAS by Alexander Vance is an engaging mystery that weaves together art history with a fantasy adventure.
As an art lover, Claudia enjoys examining the paintings at the local art museum. However she’s confused and amazed when a boy seems to disappear and reappear in an oil painting. Trapped for hundreds of years in the alternative world inside paintings, Pim hopes Claudia can help him escape the spell of an evil witch.
Filled with references to famous artists and works of art, this fantasy mystery will be popular among youth who enjoy art history. Humorous footnotes from a fictional art book will be useful for youth lacking knowledge of European art. Librarians will want to feature this novel along with other art-focused middle grade titles. Build a display that incorporates works of art and artists described in the book along with art history books.
Even youth without an art background will enjoy the fantasy elements along with the themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alexandervance.com/.
Published by Feiwel & Friends, a imprint of Macmillan on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
