The Frame-Up: A Fantasy About Living Paintings and Art Heist Intrigue for Children (Ages 8-12)

When Sargent Singer discovers that the paintings in his father’s gallery are alive, he’s pulled into a captivating world behind the frame he never knew existed.Filled with devious plots, shady characters, and a grand art heist, this inventive mystery-adventure celebrates art and artists and is perfect for fans of Night at the Museum and Blue Balliett’s Chasing Vermeer. School Library Journal said, “This middle grade read paints fantasy, humor, and mystery into a satisfying tale about the power of friendship.”There’s one important rule at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery―don’t let anyone know the paintings are alive. Mona Dunn, forever frozen at thirteen when her portrait was painted by William Orpen, has just broken that rule.Luckily twelve-year-old Sargent Singer, an aspiring artist himself, is more interested in learning about the vast and intriguing world behind the frame than he is in sharing her secret. And when Mona and Sargent suspect shady dealings are happening behind the scenes at the gallery, they set out to uncover the culprit. They must find a way to save the gallery―and each other―before they are lost forever. With an imaginative setting, lots of intrigue, and a thoroughly engaging cast of characters, The Frame-Up will captivate readers of Jacqueline West’s The Books of Elsewhere series. Booklist said, “This chapter book’s most memorable element is also its most unusual: the imaginative conviction that art is alive.” Includes images of the real paintings featured in the book.A secret world, a daring heist, and a friendship that breaks all the rules.Magic Comes to Life: Sargent Singer is an aspiring artist. He has no idea the paintings in his father’s gallery are not only alive, but in desperate need of his help.An Unlikely Friendship: To solve the case, Sargent must team up with Mona Dunn, a spirited girl who’s been trapped in her portrait for a hundred years.Art Heist Adventure: Shady dealings and a grand conspiracy are afoot. Sargent and Mona must uncover a culprit who wants to steal the masterpieces for good.For Fans of Classic Mysteries: Perfect for readers who love Night at the Museum and Chasing Vermeer, this story is packed with puzzles, humor, and heart.Art History Comes Alive: Features full-color images of the real, famous paintings from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery that star in the story. Read more