Behind the Canvas

Written by Alexander Vance

Narrated by Erin Moon

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781501904226

Alexander Vance

Alexander Vance works as a film and video editor. The Heartbreak Messenger is his fiction debut. He lives in Upstate New York with his family.

Reviews for Behind the Canvas

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Susanne Müller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Die Geschichte ist sehr spannend und gut erzählt. Sehr empfehlenswert!

[readysetgo-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Early Reviewer Audio Book:A fun and fantastical story. Metaphorically explaining the links between art and 'magic' through a gifted young lady (Claudia), her interesting surroundings and family. Filled with wisdom and humor.Read excellently by Erin Moon. She gives the story beautiful depth, reading it perfectly and narrating between characters with charm and wit.Totally enjoyable listen.

[bkjake · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of this audiobook through the Early Reviewers program.Intriguing premise, interesting characters, and a much deeper plot than I expected for a story aimed at twelve year olds. I liked the plethora of accents the reader used for the different characters, the chapter break inserts of the art encyclopedia entries, and other the welcome touches of humor..."The Lady" was a hoot!I'll be loaning this to friends with kids for their next road trip, but I'll be sure to recommend they bring along a real art encyclopedia so the kids can see pictures of the paintings the book describes.4.5 stars out of 5.

[beammey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book. I got the audio book version and the narrator was good, the book was engaging, and just fun. I will probably look into getting the printed book because I loved it that much. It is for middle grade children, I think, but I'm an adult and still really liked it. If you like history and fantasy and art you'l like it too. I definitely recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars. Brilliant.

[swingdancefan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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. Approximate Lexile: 840Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.