BENEATH THE SWIRLING SKY

Famous paintings become portals in this fantasy series opener.

Twelve-year-old Vincent is less than excited about spending spring break in Texas with his art restorer uncle, Leo, while his parents head off on a cruise, but his mother seems to think it will somehow reignite his lost interest in art. Uncle Leo’s house does contain many famous paintings that catch Vincent’s eye, though, and cousin Georgia is clearly hiding something, so he isn’t quite as bored as expected. Then Lili, Vincent’s 6-year-old sister, disappears into thin air, and Vincent finally discovers the truth about his family: They are Restorationists, genetically related people who can travel through paintings, working to prevent the evil Distortionists from manipulating art for nefarious purposes. 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 that feels disjointed at times. References to Jesus (following an interaction with a painted representation of Jesus) beginning three-quarters of the way into the story are awkwardly placed, given the lack of overt religious content earlier in the book. Vincent and Georgia read white; Lili was adopted from China at age 3. To’s expressive, delicately rendered illustrations enhance the text.

An interesting premise weakened by a somewhat muddled plot.