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What Members Thought
Anna read this book a few months ago and when I realized that it's an art history mystery, I decided that I must read it, too. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I finished it while Anna was at school today, so I'm curious to quiz her on her comprehension since this book has puzzles within mysteries and does not lay everything out neatly for the reader.
As with all good children's books, the author doesn't talk down to the reader or assume that her readers are stupid just because they are young. The clues ...more
As with all good children's books, the author doesn't talk down to the reader or assume that her readers are stupid just because they are young. The clues ...more
So many rich, curricular connections, that maybe I will give this 3.5. I enjoyed the quirky characters, and the accessible way that Balliet writes about complicated ideas. Codes and secret illustrations add to the fun. The mystery and odd coincidences seem rather thin and too much of a stretch for me. I think, however, that students will be pulled along by Petra's and Calder's adventure.
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The mystery started out with such promise. It was going to be a fun historical art history romp, like a kid's version of the DaVinci Code. But no. Instead it was a series of wild dreams and leaps and coincidences that led two 12 years old's to hunt for a stolen painting. I want a mystery to follow logic. LOGIC. Coincidences do not equal a valid mystery plot line. Boo.
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Reading this book actually led me to read an adult novel involving Vermeer also (Girl with the Pearl Earring). This is a modern-day, middle readers mystery. I loved following the patterns that the kids find and questioning coincidence.
Two young people get mixed up in some seemingly unrelated events that revolve around a missing Vermeer painting, missing children, frogs and some anxious adults. A fun buildup with a very mild and somewhat disappointing ending.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I imagined possible. Very clever with both well-drawn characters and an engaging plot. I wish most adult novels that I read were this much fun.
The Da Vinci Code for kids -- with better writing. Two kids try to solve the mystery of a missing Vermeer in Hyde Park.
Cute story about some inquisitive kids and some interesting coincidences.
Jan 29, 2012
CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph
marked it as to-read
Apr 10, 2013
Elizabeth
marked it as to-read
Sep 06, 2013
Akilah
marked it as to-read
