Konrad and the Birthday Painting

Artworld, Volume 1

By: Sandra R. Andersson

Narrated by: Amy Vance

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Everything happened so fast. One minute Konrad was a perfectly normal eight year old, just trying to get through a perfectly normal school day. The next minute he was catapulted through time and space - and oil paints and canvas - into a world he never even knew existed. A pair of sunglasses transform the boring painting outside the principal’s office into the most beautiful thing you ever saw - and a powerful spy device at that.

When the worst bully in school does something very bad and then tries to pin the blame on Konrad’s favorite babysitter, Konrad feels the need to make things right again. But when you’re eight and not exactly the world’s bravest eight year old, there’s not much you can do, is there? Well, perhaps there is....

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Charming adventure for kids

While the story was an interesting adventure for kids, I was too distracted by the narration and had to listen to the book twice as my mind kept wandering from the story. The second time around, I concentrated hard on following the story and enjoyed it. Mind you, there isn't anything wrong with the narrator, and the recording was professional. I imagine she'd do quite well on an adult novel, but I found her to be too slow for a children's book. I couldn't imagine her engaging children with her, slow, calm voice. In my opinion, a children's narrator should be lively and encourage adventure. I just didn't find it in here. **I received this book free in exchange for an honest review**

A Super Cute Children's Story

Konrad and the Birthday Painting was a cute listen. The author, Sandra R. Andersson did a terrific job writing this story. I think this has a lot of appeal to children not only 5-7 but even older and possibly younger as well. Magic sunglasses and art...what could be more fun. As an adult I loved it.

Amy Vance's narration was excellent. She's a wonderful storyteller that kids would like. Her inflections are perfect and she speaks clearly and is easy to follow. Very enjoyable. I'll listen to this again with my grand kiddos.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Travel via Paintings!

A pleasant children’s book. Could it be the beginning of a series? It is a stand alone book, but this could be a modern “Magic Tree House” spin off for the newer generation! I mean, it is longer in length than that series ...

Magical sunglasses allow the wearer to enter into paintings. Persons and landscape become real and interactive. Perhaps the painter, as well.

The first half few chapters were light as it introduced the reader to the main characters of the book.
The second half became more serious.
Reconciliations, relationships, and reality triumphing over running away are touched upon with delicacy without lecturing.
The major conflict of the bullying and the stolen cash box was left open-ended, without a permanent resolution, odd for books written for which the age group this is geared.

More of a 3.5 star book. Narrator was good (although I altered the speed to 1.25) and bumped it to 4 stars.

Fun concept for book perfect for elementary kids

I really liked the concept of this book - being able to enter a painting with a special pair of sunglasses. There are lots of paintings I would love to enter and escape to. I listened to this audiobook with my 7- and 8-year old kids. There were a few parts we all enjoyed, and my kids said that it was a good book overall, but it didn't really stick with them - the concept was memorable, but not necessarily the details. I was not a huge fan of the narrator because there was not much excitement in her voice. I feel like more excitement from the narrator would have made for a much more engaging experience for the audience. Overall, I did enjoy the book (as did my kids), and I think this would be very appropriate for elementary school kids as they will find much to relate to.