Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver

The Fantastic Frame chapter-book series introduces early-elementary-age readers to great works of art.fantastic frame

Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver, illustrated by Samantha Kallis. Grosset & Dunlap, 2016, 122 pages

Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10

Recommended for: ages 6-10

Tyler and his family have moved to a new neighborhood and right off the bat, little sister Maggie reports an orange pig in the neighbor’s backyard—a pig who talks.  Tyler’s skeptical search for this phenomenon leads him first to Luna, his talkative neighbor, and next to the boarded-up house next door.  Where, yes, an orange pig is serving as butler.  The owner of the house is a crotchety old woman who paints reproductions of famous works of art.  There’s a reason for her bitterness and reclusiveness—grief for her son David, who disappeared through a picture frame fifty years ago.

How and why?  Tyler and Luna will soon find out, in this twist on the “alternate world” fantasy that will take the characters through various works of art.  This book is not especially artistic, with its workmanlike plot and illustrations (shifting from black & white to full color when the kids enter the painting), but the series should keep beginning readers entertained as well as introduce them to a few great paintings. FF#2: Splat! Another Messy Sunday is available now; #3 will appear in October.

Cautions: None

Overall Value: 3.25 (out of 5)

  • Worldview/Moral value: 3
  • Artistic value: 3.5

 

 

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Janie Cheaney

Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.