It’s got pictures! Every book about art should. I love this as a way to introduce students to famous works of art, as well as the museums those works reside in. There’s an important lesson when Vincent figures out what his gift is, and that he was convinced he was a failure at it. He needed to face some adversity before learning how to put it to good use. Love the characters, and didn’t expect the twists this story takes. Artistic kids will find themselves here. Definitely worth a read. I was thinking through the premise and cursing myself that I didn’t come up with it first. Weird warning: there’s a bit of a jarring moment wherein our main character encounters Jesus in a painting and feels that Jesus can see straight into his soul. It’s completely unexpected and I’m not sure why it’s included. No lead up to it and it’s not discussed again. Just felt I should mention it, as a teacher talking to teachers. Your mileage may vary based on location.

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 wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I really enjoyed it. The facts about the art work and museums that was included was very educational and I feel, was a good introduction for children into the world of art. I spent many extra minutes Googling the art work I knew nothing about.

I personally didn't care for Vincent, but felt he was a good representation of what a boy might be thinking or feeling at that age. On the other hand, I loved Cousin Georgia. She may have doubted herself at times, but she never shied away from making tough decisions. I also enjoyed her creativity, quirkiness and the dedication she felt towards her family and it's special abilities.

This does have a minor religious element in it., but I found it well written and meaningful. As it was no more then one page(honestly,it was more like one paragraph) in the whole story, I don't feel this should be a distraction from the well written and exciting story.

There were some elements I felt were left unanswered(The Aunt and her organization for instance. What are the goals of this group? ) It's possible, though that the author intends to answer these questions in later books.

Arc Copy...even if one is Christian or not, I feel they can still relate and agree with the protagonists (by extension the author) moods and feels associated with great works of art as something beyond human perceptions. The art magic workings felt grounded also. I especially like venturing through the Van Gogh museum, since I have been there for real and I have seen the "Potato Eaters".

3.25 stars!

Beneath the Swirling Sky tells the story of Vincent who comes from a family of Restorationists, a secret society with the power to travel through paintings and restore (or save) them. After a horrible experience from his past, Vincent swears he's done with art. That is, until Lili disappears into one of the most famous paintings that he has to pick up his brush and face his past.

It feels good to read a book that awakens the inner child in me. The fact that I cannot put this book down, finishing this in just a day, tells how much I enjoy this book. To some, art is boring (no offense, but in reality, this is how others view art especially paintings). So it's a wonder how the author will execute art into a novel and make it interesting. Every time an art is mentioned, I head to Google right away and search. I can't help but get curious on how the paintings actually look like outside of the author's imagination [and description]. Love the system of magic and worldbuilding. The book's just in a right pace. I cannot find a part where the story may have lagged or rushed.

Vincent paints to impress. That's how the problem starts. Artists put emotion to their creations and that is something Vincent lacks and fails to recognize. As the story progresses, he must learn the true meaning of art if he ever wishes to go back to that path again. So aside from rescuing Lili, Vincent aims for self-discovery as well.

I love the dynamic duo of Vincent and Georgia. They are opposite sides of a coin. One cannot pass through the hurdle without the other. But are 12 year-olds supposed to be as whiny as Vincent? Sometimes I can't stand him yelling at Georgia when things don't go the way as planned, but their rocky relationship improved eventually. I only thought (first impression and all) that Georgia tend to be the reckless one between the pair. Vincent is more on talking and less on thinking. Georgia's more adventurous, but is the rational one.

Vincent's reaction to his first travel inside the painting is monotonous. For something strange, he accepted it quite easily. Although it was later on revealed that he thought of it as a dream. It was even harder for me accept Uncle Leo's letting Vincent and Georgia go to rescue Lili themselves without so much of a fight. Like as a responsible adult--even though he cannot Travel himself and if he had any sense in him--wouldn't he be defiant and wait for Georgia's parents to arrive like originally planned? I had one eyebrow raised knowing he's OK with it. It may just be me but sneaking off would be a lot more sensible and exciting, no matter how cliche that may be. You know... heroes breaking rules and sneaking into the night to save the world.

The book quotes: "Vincent wondered now whether the Distortionists had started the fire that killed his grandmother--Uncle Leo's sister--along with Vincent's grandfather and aunt. He shuddered. These were dangerous people."

Right. Dangerous people. All the more reason Uncle Leo should have allowed them to go.

By the end of the book, a few questions still lingered that I think are not properly addressed. What is Adelaide's real purpose? How did those children end up in those paintings? It isn't clear if they are children who carry genes of Distortionists or Restorationists. But I'm betting they are from the former because because it is stated in the book that Vincent's family is the only living Restorationists. Another possible explanation is that there is a magic anomaly. I don't know why we didn't get the answers to this but I think the author chose to hide it on purpose since this book will be a part of a series.

As for the ending, it simple that I think it didn't the book's conclusion a justice.

If you're looking for a light and easy read, then be sure to check out this book.

Favourite Line: “He had the sensation that he was a canvas and Jesus was covering up all the wrong inside him with fresh paint.”

So I’ll admit, the opening scene did not hook me at all. I even put the book aside because I was, well, bored. I felt there was too much telling, and not enough showing, and it was pretty slow-going. But, luckily, I did come back to it and I’m glad I did because I did thoroughly enjoy the tale. It was a very creative story. I loved the idea of being able to go inside of paintings, each character having a specific gift/superpower related to painting, etc. It was fascinating.

Overall, pretty well-written, but simplistic. The storytelling was great. This being said, there were a few cases of “telling” where I think “showing” would’ve been far more powerful. While the characters weren’t necessarily flat per se, I think if the author showed the character’s emotions more, it would’ve been easier to relate to them and see them as being more fleshed out. This being said, Vincent and Georgia were well-fleshed out overall.

One thing that bothered me: There was a mention that Van Gogh painted the church in the shadows because he felt he connected with God more so in nature. I get that this could just be fact regarding Van Gogh’s beliefs, but as someone who is Catholic and knows the value of actually going to church, I did not like what seemed to be implied here. This being said, maybe I was reading too into it and that was not the intended message. I mean, by all means, praying surrounded by God’s beauty in nature is wonderful, but it does not mean attending church is not important.

There’s a mention of naked people in paintings toward the end of the story, but nothing graphic.

Chapter 23 was my favourite. Jesus calming the storm has always been one of my favourite bible verses. I loved being inside that painting with Vincent. That was a very well-written, thrilling, and beautiful scene in the book and my hat goes off to the author for that one for sure.

This being said, later there’s a line about Jesus seeing the worst parts in Vincent and still offering “acceptance”. I”m not sure “acceptance” really fits. Obviously Vincent needs to cast off his sins and that is what Jesus wants for him too. It’s also clear this is the goal. But “acceptance” in my mind seems to encompass both good and bad. Maybe it could’ve said something like how he still saw promise in Vincent or something along those lines. But, maybe I’m reading too into it here or misunderstanding.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I plan to follow the author to see what else she releases.

I was intrigued to pick this up after seeing it compared to Andrew Peterson’s masterful Wingfeather Saga, which I have been reading to my son lately. After having read Carolyn Leiloglou’s Beneath the Swirling Sky myself, I have to say that in my opinion it is not much like Peterson’s books except that it’s aimed at roughly the same age range, and it has a similar moral lens. That’s actually a good thing, though! It’s fresh and interesting rather than trying to just mimic somebody else’s work.

The story revolves around Vincent, his sister Lili, and their cousin Georgia sent to the middle of nowhere Texas for the week of spring break where their uncle can watch them while Vincent’s parents go on a cruise. What initially looks to be a very boring week turns out to be a fantastical adventure, though, when they discover they can literally fall into artwork when they touch it. But then when Lili is abducted by the evil Distortionists, Georgia and Vincent have to set off on a globe-spanning quest to rescue her using their magical art powers.

Along the way, we’re also invited into Vincent’s troubled relationship with art. What had once been an enjoyable pastime when he was little had since soured into something that he wanted nothing to do with (although it's something of a gradually revealed mystery as to why). Through the course of the story, he has to wrestle with the place of art in his life and what it even means to create art. Is it a means of self-expression, as so many art teachers had told him? Or is it something else?

I keep my eye out for books that my children can read that are engaging while also having something of substance to say to them about the lives they lead. I'm definitely having them read this one!

DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of a fair, unbiased review.

Join Vincent, Lilli (his adopted sister), and his 2nd cousin, Georgia, in a fun adventure. I loved the mixing of art and travel into this story. Then add just a hint of "magic" but only in families who have had special abilities for a long time.

There was no foul language. There is a bit of bad choices in start by Cousin Georgia asking Vincent to not tell which causes the keeping secrets from Uncle Leo, which ends up causing a bit of a serious problem and leading to the adventure that Vincent and Georgia end up on. Then Vincent has trouble telling the truth and says that it's because his parents, especially his Mom had avoided telling some of her family history. But instead of admitting that he made bad choices, he rather blame the past choices of his family, this keeps causing him problems throughout the story. This was a part of the story that I was not really pleased with, as a mom, because I don't want my child to think that I approve of the dishonest behavior. However, if you have a good relationship with your child(ren), you can address it.

I am looking forward to reading these with my daughter. I love the fact that the paintings and artists are real, we will enjoy learning about them, too.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 rounded to 4 stars

Beneath the Swirling Sky is the first book in The Restorationists series, following a cousin-duo as they travel through paintings to rescue Vincent's little sister.

Vincent was a nice main character. I really appreciated the positive sibling relationship between him and Lili. And Georgia was fun too. She and Vincent played off of each other well.

The plot does a nice job of introducing to the reader to the magic system and setting up the series while having its own "standalone" plot. There are a few twists along the way that will keep readers curious.

I really appreciated all of the research that the author put into the novel. It was clear even before reading the note at the end of the novel that all of the paintings referenced were real, and the information about them was as accurate as possible.

While the eARC formatting was a little goofy on my Kindle, I could tell that the publisher and illustrator put a lot of thought into making this book beautiful on the inside--which seems fitting for a novel all about art. I'm certain that the finished printed edition will be lovely.

The ending, while concluding the book, leaves the reader wondering whether certain characters are good or bad, and what will happen next.

Cautions: brief mentions of nude paintings, no detail

This was a fun adventure/mystery book for kids of all ages. You will get lost in the book with the main characters as they unravel family secrets through art.

Thank you for the arc of Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou. I will definitely be recommending this to all!

A refreshing story for kids! I love it!! It combines art, art theft, and speculative fiction. :) Quite the combination, I know, but it works. I especially love the tribute to Lilias Trotter, as her story is one of my favorites! It has very nice illustrations as well.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the story, by the characters, and by the mystery.

I would definitely use this book in my class of middle graders. I enjoyed that it spoke of art and why artists are compelled to do their art.

I definitely will continue with the series!