![]() ![]() Motivated readers will treasure this provocative title. ![]() And once again Helquist encodes his b&w illustrations with puzzle pieces. The mystery is crafted more solidly than in either of Balliett's previous titles, and the setting-enriched by the hedge maze of Blenheim and the possible proximity of the pseudonymous British artist Banksy-proves completely enticing. Curiously, Calder's own presence seems to inspire dismay as well-until he, and the sculpture, simply vanish overnight. There they are introduced to the “Calder game,” which invites participants to join five ideas or things that move in relation to one another, while looking for “balance, beauty, and surprise.” Three weeks later, Calder accompanies his father to a tiny town near Blenheim Palace in England, where an anonymous donor has installed a Calder sculpture in the ancient town square, much to the villagers' dismay. Now in seventh grade, series heroes Petra, Tommy and Calder first see Calder's mobiles at an exhibit at a Chicago museum. Blue Balliett, a former teacher and author of the wildly successful children’s mystery, Chasing Vermeer,points out what we all know: During the week, if you’re a good teacher, there’s not much left over after the school day to put into writing. Like its predecessors, it asks readers to consider big ideas, this time using the mobiles of Alexander Calder as a springboard. ![]() ) outdoes herself with this ambitious novel. Acclaimed for her sophisticated juggling of art concepts, mystery, philosophy and storytelling, Balliett ( Chasing Vermeer ![]()
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