Chasing Vermeer facts for kids

Chasing Vermeer is an exciting children's novel written by Blue Balliett. It was first published by Scholastic in 2003. The story follows two clever kids, Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay, who discover strange connections between art and a big mystery. This book is full of puzzles and secrets, especially about the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.

The book is known for its unique way of telling a story. It makes readers think about coincidences and how everything might be connected. It also teaches a lot about art history in a fun way.

What is Chasing Vermeer About?

This book is a thrilling mystery for young readers. It starts when a very valuable painting by Johannes Vermeer goes missing. This happens right after a mysterious letter is sent to many people. The letter says that the painting is a fake.

The Main Characters

The story focuses on two main characters:

• Petra Andalee: She is a new student at the school. Petra is very observant and loves to notice small details.
• Calder Pillay: He is also a student and Petra's friend. Calder uses a special set of puzzle pieces called pentominoes to help him think. He sees patterns everywhere.

These two friends find themselves in the middle of the art theft. They use their unique ways of thinking to solve the puzzle.

The Mystery Unfolds

As Petra and Calder investigate, they find many clues. These clues are hidden in everyday things and even in the art itself. They learn about Vermeer's life and his paintings. The kids realize that the missing painting might hold a secret.

The mystery involves codes, hidden messages, and strange coincidences. Petra and Calder must work together. They need to figure out who stole the painting and why. They also need to find out if the painting is real or fake.

Why is This Book Special?

Chasing Vermeer is special because it combines a thrilling mystery with art history. It encourages readers to think critically. It also shows how small details can lead to big discoveries.

Themes in the Story

The book explores several interesting ideas:

• Coincidence: The story makes you wonder if things happen by chance or if they are connected.
• Art and History: It introduces readers to the world of art, especially the Dutch Golden Age.
• Friendship: Petra and Calder's friendship is key to solving the mystery. They learn to trust each other's unique skills.
• Problem-Solving: The book is like a puzzle itself. It challenges readers to solve it alongside the characters.

The Author, Blue Balliett

Blue Balliett is an American author. She is known for writing mystery novels for children. Her books often involve art and puzzles. Chasing Vermeer was her first novel. It quickly became very popular.

Sequels to Chasing Vermeer

If you enjoyed Chasing Vermeer, there are more adventures with Petra and Calder. The next books in the series are:

• The Wright 3 (published in 2006)
• The Calder Game (published in 2009)

These books continue the characters' stories. They also involve new mysteries and art-related puzzles.