Beneath the Swirling Sky

By: Carolyn Leiloglou

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

A house full of paintings, a missing sister, and a family secret send a boy and his cousin into a world where art is the key in this fantasy adventure perfect for fans of The Wingfeather Saga and Pages & Co.

“A delightful adventure, excellent for reading aloud. This book will make you want to study Van Gogh and get out the paintbrushes!”—Sarah Mackenzie, founder and host of Read-Aloud Revival® and author of The Read-Aloud Family

WINNER OF THE SELAH AWARD • FINALIST FOR THE ECPA CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD

After an experience he’d rather forget, Vincent is determined to be done with art. So when he and his little sister, Lili, spend spring break with their art conservator great-uncle, Vincent’s plan is to stay glued to his phone.

That is, until Lili disappears into one of the world’s most famous paintings and Vincent learns his parents have been hiding something from him: Their family is the last of The Restorationists, a secret society with the power to travel through paintings—and a duty to protect them from evil forces.

With Lili’s safety on the line, leaving art behind is no longer an option. Vincent must team up with his know-it-all second-cousin Georgia, wrestle with why his parents lied to him, and confront both his past and a future he never wanted. Young readers are invited into a captivating universe where paintings become a portal—and adventure and danger lurk beyond every canvas.

Critic reviews

“Colorful descriptions will send curious readers searching for images of the paintings mentioned, while discussions of art as a vehicle for the expression of truth and beauty add depth to a plot . . . [Vivienne] To’s expressive, delicately rendered illustrations enhance the text.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A delightful adventure, excellent for reading aloud. This book will make you want to study Van Gogh and get out the paintbrushes!”—Sarah Mackenzie, founder and host of Read-Aloud Revival and author of The Read-Aloud Family

“This carefully composed story is certain to captivate and delight your creative kids.”—S. D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series

“Beneath the Swirling Sky adds to the literary canon that blends art and mystery, such as From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Chasing Vermeer. An art adventure woven with truth and beauty.”—Megan Saben, associate editor for Redeemed Reader and author of Something Better Coming

“What a timely tale of uplifting the good and slow work of art-making. Carolyn Leiloglou sets out to restore humanity’s fractured connection with history’s great painters, and she pulls young readers in so close to historic works of art that they can almost smell the paint.”—Joe Sutphin, illustrator of the Wingfeather Saga, Little Pilgrim’s Progress, and the official graphic novelization of Watership Down

“A truly absorbing tale that drew me into the colorful and mysterious world, kindling my imagination—and heart—all along the way.”—Scott James, author of The Sower, The Littlest Watchman, The Expected One, and Where Is Wisdom?

“A captivating story that paints relatable childhood struggles against a background of brilliant adventure.”—James D. Witmer, managing editor of Story Warren and author of A Year in the Big Old Garden and The Strange New Dog

Fun twist

Great narrator, engaging story line, creative way to interact with Van Gogh’s art. Even though the characters were younger, my 14 year old son still enjoyed listening to the story in the car.

Art history and engaging

My 11 yo daughter said, “It’s amazing! I liked everything!” My 13 yo daughter said her favorite part was Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.

Fun to learn more about art, but story was a page-turner and fun. Looking forward to next one!

I love this guys voice and the story is just so I don't now it's lust zoom thanks' for writing this story😍🙂

I like the story so much I don't know how to poot this but it's just my favorite story. by😘😘✌❤❤

If you love art, this is for you!

As an artist, I enjoyed every minute of this book. The story and the way it describes how art can make people feel! Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists and to read this book and learn more about his work in a fun way was a true joy!

imaginative and educational

it was fun to lookup each painting as we listened. it cultivated an interesting perspective