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Behind the Canvas
A girl discovers she has the ability to inhabit the world of famous paintings, and tries to help a boy trapped behind the canvas.
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.
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.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 24, 2016
Sigh. Here comes the hard part; I didn't like Behind the Canvas. I wanted to. I desperately wanted to. It sounded eerily similar to my much beloved Elsewhere series by Jacqueline West, but with a different execution. Then, to read on and discover that it is essentially Elsewhere rewritten. . .well, let's just say I wasn't impressed by that.
They say there are no original ideas and I'd have to concur, but then methinks there are ideas that are your own and ideas you merely borrow. This feels a lot like the latter and I wouldn't even say it's particularly well done.
The beginning was insufferable really. The first paragraph where Vance felt the need to upsell paintings and art by insulting drawing, sculpture, and photography - perhaps one of the most unbearable paragraphs I've ever read. Art in all of its forms, writing included, takes an extreme amount of talent, skill, and dedication. I can't even understand what would possess him to write such drivel.
And Pim and Claudia, our main characters.
Claudia is bullied seemingly even by teachers for reasons unknown and is so much of a loner that she can't even figure out how to talk to other kids, but has no problem starting up a random conversation with some weird boy with blue eyes in a painting. Also, she cries a lot at basically everything. She's one step above a damsel in distress.
Don't even get me started on Pim. Just because George R. R. Martin has seemingly brought in vogue the gray protagonist does not mean every writer with a pen needs to start writing gray characters. Especially when you do not have the talent or the skill to bring about the character's redemption or redeeming characteristics.
The only saving grace of this narrative is Alexander Vance's writing. And for that, and that alone, I give this 2 stars.
They say there are no original ideas and I'd have to concur, but then methinks there are ideas that are your own and ideas you merely borrow. This feels a lot like the latter and I wouldn't even say it's particularly well done.
The beginning was insufferable really. The first paragraph where Vance felt the need to upsell paintings and art by insulting drawing, sculpture, and photography - perhaps one of the most unbearable paragraphs I've ever read. Art in all of its forms, writing included, takes an extreme amount of talent, skill, and dedication. I can't even understand what would possess him to write such drivel.
And Pim and Claudia, our main characters.
Claudia is bullied seemingly even by teachers for reasons unknown and is so much of a loner that she can't even figure out how to talk to other kids, but has no problem starting up a random conversation with some weird boy with blue eyes in a painting. Also, she cries a lot at basically everything. She's one step above a damsel in distress.
Don't even get me started on Pim. Just because George R. R. Martin has seemingly brought in vogue the gray protagonist does not mean every writer with a pen needs to start writing gray characters. Especially when you do not have the talent or the skill to bring about the character's redemption or redeeming characteristics.
The only saving grace of this narrative is Alexander Vance's writing. And for that, and that alone, I give this 2 stars.
January 9, 2016
Claudia Miravista is a loner. Her interests don't mesh with those of other twelve-year-olds in middle school. She is fascinated by art and the artists who created it. Her proudest possession is Dr. Buchhardt's Art History for the Enthusiast and the Ignorant which is the source of the many footnotes in this story. She loves to hang out in art museums.
Claudia's adventures begin when she sees a blue-eyed boy in the background of a picture where he doesn't belong. She sees him again in a different painting, puts her hand on the painting and wishes that they could be friends. The boy's name is Pim and he tells her the story of how he ended up in the world behind the canvas and begs for Claudia's help. She has to find the witch who cursed him and break her magic staff. Unfortunately, Claudia lives outside of Chicago and the witch lives in the Netherlands. The only way to get to her is to travel behind the canvas.
Fortunately her grandfather and the director of the art museum are friends and know someone - Granny Custos - who can help Claudia enter the world behind the canvas and, better yet, get out again. Pim and Claudia's plans to meet and travel together are derailed when Claudia enters the wrong canvas in order to get away from a persistent security guard. Claudia has all sorts of adventures including meeting the dragon that St. George fought as she tries to find Pim. Along the way she meets a number of characters from paintings and travels through landscapes from a wide variety of artists. She also learns that Pim might not be the character that he has seemed to be with her. Maybe he's a villain and not a victim.
I thought the story was exciting and filled with action and adventure. I also found the relationship between Claudia and Pim was an engaging story. I enjoyed the snarky tone of the footnotes which combined information about artists and editorial asides.
Fans of adventure, whether they are art lovers or not, will enjoy this fast-paced and entertaining story.
Claudia's adventures begin when she sees a blue-eyed boy in the background of a picture where he doesn't belong. She sees him again in a different painting, puts her hand on the painting and wishes that they could be friends. The boy's name is Pim and he tells her the story of how he ended up in the world behind the canvas and begs for Claudia's help. She has to find the witch who cursed him and break her magic staff. Unfortunately, Claudia lives outside of Chicago and the witch lives in the Netherlands. The only way to get to her is to travel behind the canvas.
Fortunately her grandfather and the director of the art museum are friends and know someone - Granny Custos - who can help Claudia enter the world behind the canvas and, better yet, get out again. Pim and Claudia's plans to meet and travel together are derailed when Claudia enters the wrong canvas in order to get away from a persistent security guard. Claudia has all sorts of adventures including meeting the dragon that St. George fought as she tries to find Pim. Along the way she meets a number of characters from paintings and travels through landscapes from a wide variety of artists. She also learns that Pim might not be the character that he has seemed to be with her. Maybe he's a villain and not a victim.
I thought the story was exciting and filled with action and adventure. I also found the relationship between Claudia and Pim was an engaging story. I enjoyed the snarky tone of the footnotes which combined information about artists and editorial asides.
Fans of adventure, whether they are art lovers or not, will enjoy this fast-paced and entertaining story.
December 17, 2023
I've read the first 14 chapters in July but the book didn't hold my attention. Now after 5 months I picked it up again to give it another shot. I managed to read another 5 chapters (of 30) but realised that it wasn't worth the time. I've read almost 2/3 of the book and I'm quite disappointed about everything. I don't like Claudia nor Prim. I really loved the blurb of the book and simply expected something totally different. More of a girl detective solving mysteries in one painting at a time style. And not one world where all the art is connected with known Artists and famous Paintings mixed together. (Mona Lisa knows Sushi?!?!?) One star for the funny excerpts from the Dr. Burkhardt's Art History for the Enthusiast and the Ignorant.
August 23, 2018
Disclaimer: I do not advise turning this particular review into a drinking game. I know, I know, I’m a party pooper. But if someone were to drink every time I type the word “art” (or some variation of the word), that particular person would most likely get alcohol poisoning. Trust me, nothing ruins a party more, than a trip to the hospital. You’ve been warned. (;
I think people who enjoy reading fantasy/ magic books but also have an appreciation for classical paintings would enjoy this book. Of those qualities I mentioned, I only have an appreciation for classical art, so I believe a three star rating is appropriate.
(Short background info on me)
I was lucky enough to be raised by a mother who loved all things art and who surrounded our house with artwork. So from a young age I was accustomed to visiting art shows and art museums. Eventually in high school I was lucky enough to visit Paris and there, I got to go to Musée du Louvre in Paris, France where I got to meet the beautiful Mona Lisa and other amazing works of art.
So, I bought this book on book outlet, thinking this story would have more emphasis on art than anything else. I imagined a young girl who could go in and out of art as she chose and got to live and experience the culture whenever she pleases. Instead, it had more emphasis on magic and a fantastical rescue mission. Which I’m sure many people out there would love. I just wasn’t that particular kind of reader.
It has great writing and a lot of imagination but I do believe the plot is too complex for younger middle grade readers.
Overall it was a great book, just not a great book for me.
Oh... and for those keeping track... art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art
I think people who enjoy reading fantasy/ magic books but also have an appreciation for classical paintings would enjoy this book. Of those qualities I mentioned, I only have an appreciation for classical art, so I believe a three star rating is appropriate.
(Short background info on me)
I was lucky enough to be raised by a mother who loved all things art and who surrounded our house with artwork. So from a young age I was accustomed to visiting art shows and art museums. Eventually in high school I was lucky enough to visit Paris and there, I got to go to Musée du Louvre in Paris, France where I got to meet the beautiful Mona Lisa and other amazing works of art.
So, I bought this book on book outlet, thinking this story would have more emphasis on art than anything else. I imagined a young girl who could go in and out of art as she chose and got to live and experience the culture whenever she pleases. Instead, it had more emphasis on magic and a fantastical rescue mission. Which I’m sure many people out there would love. I just wasn’t that particular kind of reader.
It has great writing and a lot of imagination but I do believe the plot is too complex for younger middle grade readers.
Overall it was a great book, just not a great book for me.
Oh... and for those keeping track... art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art art
March 7, 2017
Two out of the three stars are for the snarky art history footnotes.
May 18, 2017
With a title like “Behind The Canvas”, the book obviously starts in an art museum. The protagonist of the story is named Claudia Miravista. She is a slightly awkward girl in middle school who happens to adore art. This field trip is something that she can really get into. She wanders off in the museum by herself and stumbles upon a painting where there is a boy that has the “dreamiest blue eyes”. She tells some of her classmates because they are talking about cute boys and she wants them to see said, “cute boy with the dreamy blue eyes” in the painting. When she goes back to the painting, he is gone. Of course, they make fun of her and she is left with the feeling that only a young unsure preteen feels. Could she have hallucinated the whole thing or did she really see him and he wasn’t there in the picture the second time?
Then we find out she is not crazy, the boy w/ the blue eyes seeks her out in her home and tells her that he desperately needs her help. He has been trapped behind the canvas for a few centuries and he wants to get out. We discover that he is a Dutch boy named Pim and he has been cursed by a witch to spend eternity in the world “Behind The Canvas”. She can help, because of course she has “special powers”. She proceeds to help him but, she must do the impossible: find a way for her parents not to find out. Of course, she needs the assistance of a quirky old lady and a plan to spend some time away in another realm for who knows how long.
This book was very fascinating. I was intrigued by it from the very beginning. I did have a few issues with the book but, for the most part I did enjoy it. I did love the footnotes at the bottom of random pages. A lot of them were brimming with dry wit about varying subjects on artists and techniques. I think that the author could do an additional ebook on the art reference book. I did feel like the book started out really strong but, as the story moved forward it lost some of its strength. I felt like the story of a boy being trapped in a painting by a witch does have bite. The conclusion was a letdown because, you did have a “battle” of the “girl with special art powers(Claudia)” defeating the witch.
I would recommend this book for fans of the artworld.
Then we find out she is not crazy, the boy w/ the blue eyes seeks her out in her home and tells her that he desperately needs her help. He has been trapped behind the canvas for a few centuries and he wants to get out. We discover that he is a Dutch boy named Pim and he has been cursed by a witch to spend eternity in the world “Behind The Canvas”. She can help, because of course she has “special powers”. She proceeds to help him but, she must do the impossible: find a way for her parents not to find out. Of course, she needs the assistance of a quirky old lady and a plan to spend some time away in another realm for who knows how long.
This book was very fascinating. I was intrigued by it from the very beginning. I did have a few issues with the book but, for the most part I did enjoy it. I did love the footnotes at the bottom of random pages. A lot of them were brimming with dry wit about varying subjects on artists and techniques. I think that the author could do an additional ebook on the art reference book. I did feel like the book started out really strong but, as the story moved forward it lost some of its strength. I felt like the story of a boy being trapped in a painting by a witch does have bite. The conclusion was a letdown because, you did have a “battle” of the “girl with special art powers(Claudia)” defeating the witch.
I would recommend this book for fans of the artworld.
November 7, 2020
"Behind the Canvas" - written by Alexander Vance and published in 2016 by A Feiwel and Friends Book, Macmillan. What a fun middle grade fantasy! Claudia, a lonely six grader who loves art, sees a boy in the background of a painting as her class visits the art museum. Together, she and Pim move through the dangerous world "behind the canvas" to try to release him from his long imprisonment there. "Paint is merely oil and color, and canvas is merely cloth,; but together, with the touch of the talented hand, they become a cafe, or a countryside, or a kiss." The story was a little heavy on teaching moments regarding art and artists, mostly in the form of footnotes, but the fun action portions made up for it. What a great movie this would make! And who knows, it could spark an interest in art in the reader. An engaging story!
May 4, 2020
3.5
This was a fun modern fairy tale, especially for kids (or adults) interested in art. The beginning was very slow for me, but I definitely got into the story as it progressed. Some of the artists or paintings I had to google, but that really helped me visualize the world behind the canvas, and the footnotes from the fictitious Dr. Buchhardt's Art History sometimes made me chuckle (although some went a bit too far). I think this would make a really beautiful movie, moving from the real world to different styles of animation for the different sections of the world behind the canvas and various artist's contributions to that world. Bonus that the author is one of my library patrons!
This was a fun modern fairy tale, especially for kids (or adults) interested in art. The beginning was very slow for me, but I definitely got into the story as it progressed. Some of the artists or paintings I had to google, but that really helped me visualize the world behind the canvas, and the footnotes from the fictitious Dr. Buchhardt's Art History sometimes made me chuckle (although some went a bit too far). I think this would make a really beautiful movie, moving from the real world to different styles of animation for the different sections of the world behind the canvas and various artist's contributions to that world. Bonus that the author is one of my library patrons!
August 2, 2019
“Well...how to describe it?” The boy paced back and forth within the frame. “You go to a museum and see paintings on the wall. And to you, they appear static—people and creatures and places all frozen, never changing. But what if I told you that every painting ever created over the last five hundred years lives, here in the world behind the canvas.”
That ending.... is kind of bittersweet.
That ending.... is kind of bittersweet.
March 13, 2019
As appealing as the synopsis sounds, I didn’t enjoy reading the story and gave it a low rating. This surprised me because I was gung-ho for the idea of a world that can be entered through paintings and liked the snarky art history facts in the footnotes.
But the snarky art history facts were the only thing I liked about the story. I was annoyed by Claudia, thought some things progressed too quickly (such as Claudia’s friendship and trust in Pim), thought other things didn’t receive sufficient development or explanation (how did Pim get from the painting in the museum to the one at her house so quickly; and I thought we would learn more about Granny Custos), and thought the pace too slow. But I think the main reason why I didn’t enjoy reading the story is because it lacked wonder.
The protagonist, Claudia, expresses little to no amazement at the odd, quirky, mind-blowing things she encounters in the world behind the canvas. Claudia a fan of art, a total art nerd. I expected her to be excited about entering such a world and interacting with the subjects of famous paintings, but I didn’t get that feeling from her and because of that I wasn’t amazed at the world or find it fascinating in any way.
Actually, I was bored the entire time I read and was tempted to DNF (i.e. not finish) the book many times. What kept me going is that the book is short (about 322 pages) and I was curious to see what becomes of Pim at the end and what else we would learn of the world and Granny Custos. But the boredom started to wear on me and I skimmed the few remaining chapters to the end.
I wasn’t impressed and the end made me think another book would follow this one. It felt unfinished to me, but that might just be me being curious about Granny Custos. But despite that, I don’t think the end wraps up the story well. This one just didn’t work for me.
However, on the positive side, the story is written well, the art history facts are sure to interest readers, and it was interesting to see how Vance incorporated aspects of famous paintings into the story. It was an okay read.
Overall: ★★☆☆☆ ½
One star because I didn’t enjoy it and I mostly use my star ratings to reflect my level of enjoyment, and an additional 1.5 stars because the writing is okay and I like the art history facts.
As posted on Zezee with Books.
But the snarky art history facts were the only thing I liked about the story. I was annoyed by Claudia, thought some things progressed too quickly (such as Claudia’s friendship and trust in Pim), thought other things didn’t receive sufficient development or explanation (how did Pim get from the painting in the museum to the one at her house so quickly; and I thought we would learn more about Granny Custos), and thought the pace too slow. But I think the main reason why I didn’t enjoy reading the story is because it lacked wonder.
The protagonist, Claudia, expresses little to no amazement at the odd, quirky, mind-blowing things she encounters in the world behind the canvas. Claudia a fan of art, a total art nerd. I expected her to be excited about entering such a world and interacting with the subjects of famous paintings, but I didn’t get that feeling from her and because of that I wasn’t amazed at the world or find it fascinating in any way.
Actually, I was bored the entire time I read and was tempted to DNF (i.e. not finish) the book many times. What kept me going is that the book is short (about 322 pages) and I was curious to see what becomes of Pim at the end and what else we would learn of the world and Granny Custos. But the boredom started to wear on me and I skimmed the few remaining chapters to the end.
I wasn’t impressed and the end made me think another book would follow this one. It felt unfinished to me, but that might just be me being curious about Granny Custos. But despite that, I don’t think the end wraps up the story well. This one just didn’t work for me.
However, on the positive side, the story is written well, the art history facts are sure to interest readers, and it was interesting to see how Vance incorporated aspects of famous paintings into the story. It was an okay read.
Overall: ★★☆☆☆ ½
One star because I didn’t enjoy it and I mostly use my star ratings to reflect my level of enjoyment, and an additional 1.5 stars because the writing is okay and I like the art history facts.
As posted on Zezee with Books.
August 21, 2017
"Behind the Canvas" is an unspeakably incredible adventure with a feel of Narnia (C S Lewis) and The Door Within Series (Wayne Thomas Batson) coming together with oodles of art history and the absolute wonder of creativity. The protagonist, Claudia, is a twelve year old girl who develops an extraordinary amount of courage and bravery throughout the book. She has delightful character and personality - a quiet disposition with a penchant for fierce passion. I love her, I love this book, I love it all.
May 8, 2016
Spellbounding !
Magical !
Fascinating !
I could come up with a lot more adjectives like this, but I don't think they would be enough to describe the beauty of this book.
Right from the first page till the last, this book siphoned my entire attention and focus.
Like how Claudia had the ability to go through the paintings, I too had an ability on my own.
I possessed a portal through which I could go to uncharted places and experience the Magic of it.
I was referring to the Book of course :D The book is enchanted. This book literally cast a spell on me.
I was able to free myself from it only when i finished reading the last page of the book.
The concept was so cool. It had so many un-expected twists and turns. I learnt a lot from this book.
It was so inspirational. It showed the power of our will. Sometimes, we often under estimate our innate abilities when posed with a seemingly hard task.
I learnt that, " Hope is the key to the lock called Fear, which we ourselves create to lock up our abilities "
When you compare the frail,scary Claudia at the beginning of the story , with the Claudia at the climax of the story, you will notice her transformation. Despite the fact that she was posed with unfathomable dangers and daunting challenges, she rose to the occasion to save the good from the evil only because she was able to believe in herself. That was so inspiring.
It also piqued my interest in Arts. Various references to the world famous artists, paintings were made. This booked changed my entire perspective towards art and paintings. (Next time i come across any painting in a museum, I swear i won't see it like how i used to).
There is an entirely different world behind the canvas. It was a whole new experience for me as well, imagining all those wonderful places and being able to admire the beauty of it.
It was all possible only because of Alexander Vance's magic weaved into the paper through words.
This book is like a gem hiding among millions of other books, yearning to be read by a person, hoping that the person would reads it would appreciate the beauty and the charm it possess.
....which I did right now :)
Glad that I came across this :')
Feeling sad that my sojourn at the wonderful world behind the canvas has finally come to an end.
Magical !
Fascinating !
I could come up with a lot more adjectives like this, but I don't think they would be enough to describe the beauty of this book.
Right from the first page till the last, this book siphoned my entire attention and focus.
Like how Claudia had the ability to go through the paintings, I too had an ability on my own.
I possessed a portal through which I could go to uncharted places and experience the Magic of it.
I was referring to the Book of course :D The book is enchanted. This book literally cast a spell on me.
I was able to free myself from it only when i finished reading the last page of the book.
The concept was so cool. It had so many un-expected twists and turns. I learnt a lot from this book.
It was so inspirational. It showed the power of our will. Sometimes, we often under estimate our innate abilities when posed with a seemingly hard task.
I learnt that, " Hope is the key to the lock called Fear, which we ourselves create to lock up our abilities "
When you compare the frail,scary Claudia at the beginning of the story , with the Claudia at the climax of the story, you will notice her transformation. Despite the fact that she was posed with unfathomable dangers and daunting challenges, she rose to the occasion to save the good from the evil only because she was able to believe in herself. That was so inspiring.
It also piqued my interest in Arts. Various references to the world famous artists, paintings were made. This booked changed my entire perspective towards art and paintings. (Next time i come across any painting in a museum, I swear i won't see it like how i used to).
There is an entirely different world behind the canvas. It was a whole new experience for me as well, imagining all those wonderful places and being able to admire the beauty of it.
It was all possible only because of Alexander Vance's magic weaved into the paper through words.
This book is like a gem hiding among millions of other books, yearning to be read by a person, hoping that the person would reads it would appreciate the beauty and the charm it possess.
....which I did right now :)
Glad that I came across this :')
Feeling sad that my sojourn at the wonderful world behind the canvas has finally come to an end.
February 6, 2016
Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on February 23 2016. 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.
Behind the Canvas is a story with a great concept and characters that have some depth. Claudia loves art, but does not have confidence in her own work, or her ability to make friends. She is happy with time in an art museum with her art book and ideas. Pim is a boy stuck on the other side of the canvas. He says he was trapped there by a witch, but is that the whole truth? Discovering a world of art, quite literally, and having a life altering adventure helps Claudia discover her own strengths and talent in a way she never would have otherwise. I liked that friendship, intelligence, and trusting your instincts were more important than physical strength, numbers, or just about anything else. I really enjoyed the read. I will admit that as the story progressed I rather wanted things to move along a little quicker. However, there was lots of action and death defying moments at that point, so I think that was more a product of my mental to do list of books I needed to read and review next rather than any actual lack in the storytelling.
Behind the Canvas is a story with a wonderful concept, complex characters, and some high action. It was a great middle grade read with a wonderful balance of adventure and the essential aspects of a going of age tale.
Behind the Canvas is a story with a great concept and characters that have some depth. Claudia loves art, but does not have confidence in her own work, or her ability to make friends. She is happy with time in an art museum with her art book and ideas. Pim is a boy stuck on the other side of the canvas. He says he was trapped there by a witch, but is that the whole truth? Discovering a world of art, quite literally, and having a life altering adventure helps Claudia discover her own strengths and talent in a way she never would have otherwise. I liked that friendship, intelligence, and trusting your instincts were more important than physical strength, numbers, or just about anything else. I really enjoyed the read. I will admit that as the story progressed I rather wanted things to move along a little quicker. However, there was lots of action and death defying moments at that point, so I think that was more a product of my mental to do list of books I needed to read and review next rather than any actual lack in the storytelling.
Behind the Canvas is a story with a wonderful concept, complex characters, and some high action. It was a great middle grade read with a wonderful balance of adventure and the essential aspects of a going of age tale.
February 24, 2021
Behind the Canvas has a pretty interesting premise: a world where everything and everybody ever created by art lives, with a dash of magic and witches on the side. Claudia, Friendless and Alone, forges a connection with Pim, a boy she finds in a painting, and is dragged into the world “behind the canvas” where the witch Nee Gezicht rules.
After typing that, it sounds a bit like Narnia, but it’s really not. Vance does a good job of building the world and has some pretty clever ideas regarding the magic and how it works. Claudia is pretty one-note, but Pim has some complexity to him (and his resolution perfectly fits with the magic and the rules of the world; I appreciated that Vance didn’t break his own rules there), and I liked that Vance didn’t have Claudia become a One-Friend Wonder, but instead learn from her experience, get a bit bolder, and be able to connect with people that she never would have before.
The writing is pretty simplistic, and like I said, Claudia is pretty one-note—every other character has more life in them than she does. You could tell Vance had a lot of fun coming up with personalities for all these Picture People, but when it comes to Claudia, she’s incredibly boring. There’s also a rather jarring and annoying part at the end when Claudia attributes Pim’s ignorance of nail polish remover to “Boys” rather than “This boy lived three hundred years ago when nail polish remover didn’t exist, so of course he doesn’t know what it is.” Apparently, Vance forgot the origins of his own character.
Behind the Canvas is decent and relatively fun. Its simplicity, occasionally awkward and stilted writing, and boring main character means that it doesn’t really stand out to me as particularly good, but it also wasn’t particularly or jarringly bad, either. Children who love art would probably really enjoy this book.
After typing that, it sounds a bit like Narnia, but it’s really not. Vance does a good job of building the world and has some pretty clever ideas regarding the magic and how it works. Claudia is pretty one-note, but Pim has some complexity to him (and his resolution perfectly fits with the magic and the rules of the world; I appreciated that Vance didn’t break his own rules there), and I liked that Vance didn’t have Claudia become a One-Friend Wonder, but instead learn from her experience, get a bit bolder, and be able to connect with people that she never would have before.
The writing is pretty simplistic, and like I said, Claudia is pretty one-note—every other character has more life in them than she does. You could tell Vance had a lot of fun coming up with personalities for all these Picture People, but when it comes to Claudia, she’s incredibly boring. There’s also a rather jarring and annoying part at the end when Claudia attributes Pim’s ignorance of nail polish remover to “Boys” rather than “This boy lived three hundred years ago when nail polish remover didn’t exist, so of course he doesn’t know what it is.” Apparently, Vance forgot the origins of his own character.
Behind the Canvas is decent and relatively fun. Its simplicity, occasionally awkward and stilted writing, and boring main character means that it doesn’t really stand out to me as particularly good, but it also wasn’t particularly or jarringly bad, either. Children who love art would probably really enjoy this book.
November 17, 2015
Claudia loves to draw, and she loves spending time in museums, sketching the paintings she sees--and then something (or SOMEONE) strange appears in a Dutch painting she is studying. It is boy, Pim, who reveals to Claudia an entire world that lives behind the canvas of every painting, a world that was created from the synergy of oil paint and canvas. Pim is a real boy who has been trapped in this painted world for hundreds of years by an evil witch, Nee Gezicht ("the Sightless One" in Dutch), and Claudia takes on the daunting task of freeing him.
BEHIND THE CANVAS is a wonderful journey into the world of art history and an excellent exploration of the nuances of friendship and the grey area between good and evil. A fantastic cast of supporting characters, most of whom are famous artists and their works, create a world that will stay with readers long after they put down the book (seriously, just TRY to get the image of the Fireside Angel lumbering toward you out of your mind). Detailed footnotes from a fictional art history textbook might seem at first glance too academic, but in actuality they are witty asides that both enhance contextual understanding and lend a perfect touch of humor. I highly recommended this one for readers who love THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER or UNDER THE EGG. Ages 9-12.
BEHIND THE CANVAS is a wonderful journey into the world of art history and an excellent exploration of the nuances of friendship and the grey area between good and evil. A fantastic cast of supporting characters, most of whom are famous artists and their works, create a world that will stay with readers long after they put down the book (seriously, just TRY to get the image of the Fireside Angel lumbering toward you out of your mind). Detailed footnotes from a fictional art history textbook might seem at first glance too academic, but in actuality they are witty asides that both enhance contextual understanding and lend a perfect touch of humor. I highly recommended this one for readers who love THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER or UNDER THE EGG. Ages 9-12.
December 30, 2015
A fun story for any young reader who enjoys art or art history.
Claudia loves art. She loves to draw and loves looking at paintings and learning about the artists that painted them. One day she discovers a boyboy with vivid blue eyes in a painting that starts talking to her. She learns that he can move from painting to painting and they quickly become friends. After discovering that he is not a figment of her imagination and is in fact a real boy trapped behind the canvas by an evil witch, she vows to do whatever she can to help him, even if it means traveling behind the canvas and coming face to face with the witch herself.
I love the unique premise of this book. As an artist (whom hasn't painted anything in a couple of years) I love the idea and the thought of a world that is created by artists painting is so unique and fascinating to me. I enjoyed the quirky footnotes that covered artists and styles that I haven't even thought about in years.
I enjoyed the characters, even down to Cash, a dog from one of those poker paintings that I've never been a big fan of. It was easy to feel their emotions throughout the book.
My only complaint is that so little of the world of paintings was discovered when there are endless artworks to peruse, but that is just my love of art wanting more.
I was given a temporary digital copy of Behind the Paint from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Claudia loves art. She loves to draw and loves looking at paintings and learning about the artists that painted them. One day she discovers a boyboy with vivid blue eyes in a painting that starts talking to her. She learns that he can move from painting to painting and they quickly become friends. After discovering that he is not a figment of her imagination and is in fact a real boy trapped behind the canvas by an evil witch, she vows to do whatever she can to help him, even if it means traveling behind the canvas and coming face to face with the witch herself.
I love the unique premise of this book. As an artist (whom hasn't painted anything in a couple of years) I love the idea and the thought of a world that is created by artists painting is so unique and fascinating to me. I enjoyed the quirky footnotes that covered artists and styles that I haven't even thought about in years.
I enjoyed the characters, even down to Cash, a dog from one of those poker paintings that I've never been a big fan of. It was easy to feel their emotions throughout the book.
My only complaint is that so little of the world of paintings was discovered when there are endless artworks to peruse, but that is just my love of art wanting more.
I was given a temporary digital copy of Behind the Paint from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2016
WOW.. what a fascinating read. I started the book with a great deal of trepidation but soon found myself drawn into the world of Claudia, Pim, Nee Gezicht, the three Dutchman, Cash and the world behind the canvas.
It was so interesting watching Claudia have to sort her way through different challenges, to see her heart be challenged, and to learn to think past her fear.
I will have no problem letting my 10 year old this book and tend to think that most youth will have no problems reading this story and learning along with Claudia. It very much is an exciting fast moving story.
One of the features I enjoyed (and if I had known about it before I read the book I would have handled the book differently). Throughout the book, various famous artists are named and short vignettes are written about them. I could see reading this book chapter by chapter and then doing a short artist study with my student.. whenever one of those vignettes presented itself. It was a neat addition to the story.
February 24, 2016
This is an older children's book, and has not only a lot of action, but also quite a bit of art education. The author has included the art info as footnotes so that readers will not get bogged down with these asides. But I loved the information. What a wonderful review of things I knew, and things I never knew about art.
Back to the story, it is inventive and creative and will keep the reader turning pages!
I would like to read the prior book that this author has written.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Back to the story, it is inventive and creative and will keep the reader turning pages!
I would like to read the prior book that this author has written.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
March 10, 2016
Behind the Canvas is one of those novels that I'm torn on when it comes to my rating. (It's actually a 3.75 stars for me, if you must know.) There are so many wonderful things about it - the integration of actual artists and artwork, the clever footnote commentary, the magical adventure. But the first fourth or so is a bit of a slog, and the pacing doesn't quite match that of the rest of it. Still, there's certainly merit to this one and I ended up enjoying it!
April 17, 2019
Everything was going just fine before they entered the world behind the canvas.
After that, it wasn't so pleasant
And the ending was upsetting.
It actually didn't take a lot of time for me to complete the book. I had my examinations.
I was super exicted to finish this book but I did not like the World Behind the Canvas much.
After that, it wasn't so pleasant
And the ending was upsetting.
It actually didn't take a lot of time for me to complete the book. I had my examinations.
I was super exicted to finish this book but I did not like the World Behind the Canvas much.
July 20, 2016
What a great book! I loved the incorporation of the artists and their work, the footnotes were priceless! Not a sappy, feel good ending, but a truthful one. Nicely done! Definitely recommend to teachers using art, or visiting the Art Institute! Good shout out!
March 13, 2016
This is a clever addition to the selection of middle-grade fiction tied to the art world!
July 16, 2020
While touring her local art museum, tween Claudia Miravista catches a glimpse of a boy in the background of a painting. That same boy reappears inside a painting in Claudia’s bedroom. The boy’s name is Pim and he tells Claudia about the world behind the canvas. Long ago a group of magical artists—known as Artisti—crafted a parallel dimension where their oil paintings could truly come to life. In the 1600s, Pim was cursed by an evil Artisti, Nee Gezicht, who trapped him inside this world using his will to fuel her power. With the help of another Artisti, Claudia is given an ointment to help her enter the oil painting dimension. Claudia’s mission is to stop Nee Gezicht by breaking her magical staff which will finally free Pim. But when Claudia enters the oil painting world, it is not at all how she imagined.
Behind the Canvas is a fun fantasy adventure with some very unique world-building. Vance creates a new dimension where all the oil paintings in the world collide creating an ongoing panorama of color, style, and vibrancy with a cast of some very familiar faces. However, there is a major downside to this story from the start because Vance’s world-building is based on such important visuals. Any reader who isn’t familiar with all the artists or styles mentioned in the story could easily feel lost in Vance’s narrative. What is the Fireside Angel? What does Cubism look like? Vance tries to “fix” this by including footnotes explaining artists or artistic movements. However, this doesn’t help readers to truly visualize the world Vance created, no matter how good his written descriptions are. This problem could have been resolved by including actual images or placing QR codes inside the narrative for readers to follow, like in The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks. This would have solidified Vance’s world building and help teach readers art history in a unique way.
(Review found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
Behind the Canvas is a fun fantasy adventure with some very unique world-building. Vance creates a new dimension where all the oil paintings in the world collide creating an ongoing panorama of color, style, and vibrancy with a cast of some very familiar faces. However, there is a major downside to this story from the start because Vance’s world-building is based on such important visuals. Any reader who isn’t familiar with all the artists or styles mentioned in the story could easily feel lost in Vance’s narrative. What is the Fireside Angel? What does Cubism look like? Vance tries to “fix” this by including footnotes explaining artists or artistic movements. However, this doesn’t help readers to truly visualize the world Vance created, no matter how good his written descriptions are. This problem could have been resolved by including actual images or placing QR codes inside the narrative for readers to follow, like in The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks. This would have solidified Vance’s world building and help teach readers art history in a unique way.
(Review found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)
June 28, 2018
Interesting premise and world building. It’s set in the current world and in the land behind the canvas. The story didn’t grip me as much as others I’ve read. There were too many times I got frustrated with Claudia, wanting to yell at her to just use her brain! The other thing is, I couldn’t figure out how old Claudia was. The book cover of the audio book showed an older looking girl, and at first it seemed like she was in high school, but then she started acting younger... eventually we find out she’s in 6th grade.
Maybe I’d have been more engaged if I were more familiar with famous artists and works of art. But, you can still understand/appreciate this book even without a lot of background knowledge of art.
In between chapters there are ‘excerpts’ from a fictional book about artists. Since I listened to the audio book, I don’t know if there are pictures of paintings in the book or not. The audio book narrator did a great job using different voices and accents for each character.
Maybe I’d have been more engaged if I were more familiar with famous artists and works of art. But, you can still understand/appreciate this book even without a lot of background knowledge of art.
In between chapters there are ‘excerpts’ from a fictional book about artists. Since I listened to the audio book, I don’t know if there are pictures of paintings in the book or not. The audio book narrator did a great job using different voices and accents for each character.
June 26, 2019
I liked the book and the concept, especially since I love and make art. So the idea that creating art is a special kind of magic is fun and intriguing.
While visiting a museum, Claudia is startled when she sees a boy moving around in a painting. She learns there is a whole world that is created made of magic and oil paint. An evil witch without the creative seeing ability tries to trap people in the world behind the canvas to feed off their wills to prolong her own life, and she is seeking Claudia. A whole crazy adventure ensues through the creations born of artists' works. Some of them might be difficult to follow if young readers are not familiar with the works of art, but the way the artist explains things in a quirky, supposed-art-guide entry made it fun and interesting. I think kids would be interested in famous art pieces after this fun introduction, but would definitely need to look up the pieces to understand the visual the author is trying to create!
While visiting a museum, Claudia is startled when she sees a boy moving around in a painting. She learns there is a whole world that is created made of magic and oil paint. An evil witch without the creative seeing ability tries to trap people in the world behind the canvas to feed off their wills to prolong her own life, and she is seeking Claudia. A whole crazy adventure ensues through the creations born of artists' works. Some of them might be difficult to follow if young readers are not familiar with the works of art, but the way the artist explains things in a quirky, supposed-art-guide entry made it fun and interesting. I think kids would be interested in famous art pieces after this fun introduction, but would definitely need to look up the pieces to understand the visual the author is trying to create!
March 12, 2019
I picked this book based on the cover and after reading the synopsis I decided to read it because the story sounded very unique.
It did not disappoint me, at all. The book was gripping right from the very first page and kept that pace till the end.
Claudia, the main character was unexpectedly relatable. I did not expect a middle grade book to be this intense and engaging. It literally felt like an adult fantasy but more magical and cute. The plot was very well developed. The idea of the book was very distinctive and new. I could not seem to stop reading this book. It was very captivating and I used to finish doing other stuff quicker then usual just to continue where I left off. It reminded me of David Baddiel's books because of how arresting it was. Would highly recommend it if you're looking for a well written, magical tale!!
It did not disappoint me, at all. The book was gripping right from the very first page and kept that pace till the end.
Claudia, the main character was unexpectedly relatable. I did not expect a middle grade book to be this intense and engaging. It literally felt like an adult fantasy but more magical and cute. The plot was very well developed. The idea of the book was very distinctive and new. I could not seem to stop reading this book. It was very captivating and I used to finish doing other stuff quicker then usual just to continue where I left off. It reminded me of David Baddiel's books because of how arresting it was. Would highly recommend it if you're looking for a well written, magical tale!!
October 3, 2021
It's fun to read a book written by someone you know (my Bishop). It gives you a glimpse into their personality that you may not otherwise see. I learned a lot about the world 'Behind the Canvas'. Vance actually wrote 2 books here, the story paralleled with "Dr.Bukhardt's Art History for the Enthusiast and the Ignorant. That is footnoted throughout the story. It is written tongue in cheek but also contains many interesting facts about the Art mentioned in the story. I looked up the Art that I wasn't familiar with (which was most of them...count me among the Ignorant) and the visuals added to the adventure. There is an underlying message about the importance of agency and personal will (AKA Choice and Accountability) as well as a a lesson in trust and friendship.
Another fun Museum adventure featuring a girl named Claudia is
"The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a novel by E. L. Konigsburg
Another fun Museum adventure featuring a girl named Claudia is
"The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a novel by E. L. Konigsburg
September 15, 2020
Is it bad that I liked the facts in the footnotes more than the actual story?
I mean don't get me wrong the story was... alright... but it felt bland. It got boring in places and I had a hard time liking the right people.
I will say that I called that ending. It sucked but, I figured that was what was going to happen. I will also say that I'm glad this was all one book and not drawn out in a series.
Also what was that bit at the end where she decided to tell a classmate what she went through? You want people to like you and not look crazy why would you tell that story to anyone else who wouldn't understand? Like not a smart move but whatever.
Seriously those footnotes were great. Can I read her book on Art please?
I mean don't get me wrong the story was... alright... but it felt bland. It got boring in places and I had a hard time liking the right people.
I will say that I called that ending. It sucked but, I figured that was what was going to happen. I will also say that I'm glad this was all one book and not drawn out in a series.
Also what was that bit at the end where she decided to tell a classmate what she went through? You want people to like you and not look crazy why would you tell that story to anyone else who wouldn't understand? Like not a smart move but whatever.
Seriously those footnotes were great. Can I read her book on Art please?
February 9, 2023
I read some reviews after I purchased the book so I was leery of what I bought. I enjoyed this book a lot. There is a lot of action and adventure. It was interesting to see the side notes regarding the famous paintings or painters. I do not believe that the side note book is real but it held interesting information and snark.
I didn’t find anything sexist in this. The world begins the canvas was interesting and imaginative like walking in a dream. Lots of twists that are not very guessable. I usually see everything coming but this one kept you on your toes.
I wouldn’t mind going back into the canvas to see how the world changed after the issue was resolved.
I miss Pim.
I didn’t find anything sexist in this. The world begins the canvas was interesting and imaginative like walking in a dream. Lots of twists that are not very guessable. I usually see everything coming but this one kept you on your toes.
I wouldn’t mind going back into the canvas to see how the world changed after the issue was resolved.
I miss Pim.
August 15, 2020
I wanted to like this book so badly. The premise of a world created of all the oil paintings ever created was so promising. But my word, this book bored me especially in the first half. Some things developed too quickly and other things developed too slowly. There was a lack of detail in the world building and even now that I’ve finished, I still have so many questions.
The art facts were well done and I enjoyed reading the footnotes more than the actual book. Overall there was just a lack of wonder for me & I didn’t enjoy the characters.
2.5 stars
The art facts were well done and I enjoyed reading the footnotes more than the actual book. Overall there was just a lack of wonder for me & I didn’t enjoy the characters.
2.5 stars
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