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Fantastic Frame #1
Danger! Tiger Crossing #1
This thrilling chapter book series will immediately suck readers in with its combination of fast-paced adventure and full-color art!
When ten-year-old Tiger Brooks and his family move into a new home, he sees some strange things at the house next door like a talking pig in a top hat! When he and his neighbor, Luna Lopez, investigate, they discover a reclusive old woman and her magical golden frame, through which they can enter the world's greatest paintings. In this book, Tiger and Luna get pulled into the painting "Surprised! "or "Tiger in a Tropical Storm" by Henri Rousseau. But they must escape the jungle adventure before time runs out, otherwise they'll be trapped in the painting forever!"
When ten-year-old Tiger Brooks and his family move into a new home, he sees some strange things at the house next door like a talking pig in a top hat! When he and his neighbor, Luna Lopez, investigate, they discover a reclusive old woman and her magical golden frame, through which they can enter the world's greatest paintings. In this book, Tiger and Luna get pulled into the painting "Surprised! "or "Tiger in a Tropical Storm" by Henri Rousseau. But they must escape the jungle adventure before time runs out, otherwise they'll be trapped in the painting forever!"
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2016
21 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 22, 2021
An adventure story that involves children cast out of time/place. Frank and I took turns on this so I didn’t follow the whole story, but it a) pleased JP to no end — he was actually excited to get back to it in the evenings and b) was SO much better written than the infernal Magic Treehouse books. Also — a nice FYI about the features art at the end was a nice bonus.
I meant to add that I went back and read it through. We have also read books 2, 3, and 4 and it is really nice story arc.
I meant to add that I went back and read it through. We have also read books 2, 3, and 4 and it is really nice story arc.
July 30, 2020
so good I read it in one sitting
June 2, 2016
Good for 2nd and 3rd grade booktalks.
For fans of The Magic Tree House books and Jumanji.
For fans of The Magic Tree House books and Jumanji.
September 21, 2024
Review of "The Fantastic Frame" by Lin Oliver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved diving into "The Fantastic Frame"! Lin Oliver has crafted a whimsical adventure that swept me off my feet and transported me into a vibrant world of art and imagination. The way she blends clever storytelling with stunning illustrations is simply magical! I found myself rooting for the characters as they navigated their colorful escapades, and I couldn't help but smile at the clever twists along the way.
Though there were moments that felt a little rushed, the sheer creativity and charm of the story make it a must-read. This book ignited my passion for art and adventure, and I can't wait to share it with young readers eager to explore new worlds. Grab a copy and prepare for an unforgettable journey—your imagination will thank you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved diving into "The Fantastic Frame"! Lin Oliver has crafted a whimsical adventure that swept me off my feet and transported me into a vibrant world of art and imagination. The way she blends clever storytelling with stunning illustrations is simply magical! I found myself rooting for the characters as they navigated their colorful escapades, and I couldn't help but smile at the clever twists along the way.
Though there were moments that felt a little rushed, the sheer creativity and charm of the story make it a must-read. This book ignited my passion for art and adventure, and I can't wait to share it with young readers eager to explore new worlds. Grab a copy and prepare for an unforgettable journey—your imagination will thank you!
June 15, 2016
This was a wonderful quick-to-read chapter book. It is for a younger audience and as I heard somewhere else, it's perfect for fans of Magic Tree House. I myself was a Magic Tree House fan and if this book (eventually series) had been published I would have devoured them in hearty greed just as I once did many a series in second grade. The author also did a very good job intertwining history of paintings into the story, even describing well-known paintings in a scene. It's an amazing read for younger children with enough adventure to leave them on the edge of their seats, lots of art history to learn, and a fresh new story that will capture the imagination.
June 3, 2019
An interesting series concept. There's a magical picture frame, and at a certain time each day, it's possible to step through it into the painting currently on display. The paintings are always classics, so there's a solid dose of art history at the end of the adventure. Another fun detail: during scenes that happen in the real world, illustrations are in black & white, but once the kids enter a painting, everything's in full color. Visually appealing, but it feels like something a parent/teacher would assign for its educational value rather than something a kid would pick up for fun. So ... the series could be a valuable resource for classrooms & homeschoolers.
September 26, 2017
As far as chapter books go, this has things like Magic Treehouse beat. While the set-up is equally simple yet adventurous, the act of jumping through a magical frame to go inside a painting is enhanced by solid writing and a slightly more urgent motivation. As if that weren't interesting enough, you learn something about each painting and it's painter at the end of the book. Little details, such as the illustrations being black and white during the time outside the painting and then becoming full color when the kids are inside the picture are very classy touches.
August 5, 2020
This series is really good!
Tiger and Luna’s weird neighbor is a recluse in a big creepy house. When they try to investigate, they learn about The Fantastic Frame, a magical frame that sucked the neighbor’s son inside, 50 years ago.
Tiger and Luna accidentally get sucked in too. They must survive inside the frame’s painting, and try to figure out how to get back.
Each book explores a different famous painting, with back matter giving details on the painting and artist.
Lots of fun and adventure, a bit of magic, and you learn about art! What’s not to like?
Tiger and Luna’s weird neighbor is a recluse in a big creepy house. When they try to investigate, they learn about The Fantastic Frame, a magical frame that sucked the neighbor’s son inside, 50 years ago.
Tiger and Luna accidentally get sucked in too. They must survive inside the frame’s painting, and try to figure out how to get back.
Each book explores a different famous painting, with back matter giving details on the painting and artist.
Lots of fun and adventure, a bit of magic, and you learn about art! What’s not to like?
August 1, 2019
Tiger and his family has just moved into the neighborhood when his little sister swears she saw a pig in a top hat on the swing out back. Tiger doesn't believe her until he sees it himself! Turns out, the pig lives next door with a woman who's been looking for her son for the past 50 years. Delve into the artwork of this book while trying to figure out what happened. Not my favorite, but I still liked it. Maybe suggest to struggling readers?
July 2, 2020
Read aloud to the younger kids.
Strengths: good length for this type of book, nice illustrations, clever plot that interacted well with the illustrations. Loved the art theme and that real art was referenced multiple times.
Weaknesses: characters were introduced really quickly and the plot, while creative, was also very contrived.
Final thoughts: I will read the sequel because this one was so fun and kept my kids engaged.
Strengths: good length for this type of book, nice illustrations, clever plot that interacted well with the illustrations. Loved the art theme and that real art was referenced multiple times.
Weaknesses: characters were introduced really quickly and the plot, while creative, was also very contrived.
Final thoughts: I will read the sequel because this one was so fun and kept my kids engaged.
July 27, 2020
A fast-paced fantasy with talking animals, magic, and art that literally takes you to a new places!
Contains illustrations, students at NHP read books from this series together in class.
NoveList Plus Info:
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Gateway fantasy
Pace: Fast-paced
Tone: Suspenseful
Subjects: Art, Jungles, Moving, household, painting, picture frames and framing, senior women, talismans, talking animals, talking pigs, ten-year-old boys
Contains illustrations, students at NHP read books from this series together in class.
NoveList Plus Info:
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Gateway fantasy
Pace: Fast-paced
Tone: Suspenseful
Subjects: Art, Jungles, Moving, household, painting, picture frames and framing, senior women, talismans, talking animals, talking pigs, ten-year-old boys
June 22, 2017
The Radical Readers loved this book and especially found it funny that David hadn't taken a shower or got a hair cut for many many years. We enjoyed a discussion of what each of us would do if we were stuck in a painting, what famous paintings we heard of, and what they predicted would happen in the next book in the series. It was a very enjoyable read!
December 11, 2017
Kids get pulled into a famous painting and have an adventure there - basically, Magic Treehouse but with fine art. First in a series that I have recommended a few times already. Works well for grades 1-3.
July 11, 2018
This is a juvenile book for not-so-advanced readers. Certainly I was reading far more sophisticated stuff when I was the age at which this book is pointed. On the other hand, while it is definitely a standard formulaic book, it does a decent job for a potboiler series.
April 21, 2019
I'll read a couple more - but I think this idea might be a hard sell. What would it be like to live in a famous work of art. They could be interesting writing connections - perhaps a way to start the year with an exploration of art and art museums. That could be interesting!
July 28, 2019
Interesting story, good for fans of classic art to share with their kids. I didn't like that the kids entered a stranger's house uninvited; I'd recommend having a talk with younger kids reading it about safety and privacy.
January 28, 2020
I loved how the author weaves art history in this book. The plot is action packed and keeps students predicting. To me, it is a high interest, low readability book. It has captured the interest of my 4th through 6th grade students. I highly recommend the series.
May 25, 2021
This book was a Great Kids Can Read Award nominee a few years ago. It's about 2 kids who get sucked into a painting and encounter the owner's son there...and a tiger! It's an early chapter book. It was good, I guess. I think it is a clever way to teach kids a little bit about a work of art.
May 6, 2022
This book had so many plot gaps and confusing elements, it is a series I will not continue to buy for my library. Why would the mother change the painting to put her trapped son at risk? Why would the son not seem to want to try to get back to his mom? Very disappointing ending...
August 10, 2017
Clever concept and terrific execution. Kids are pulled along by the suspense and learn a little something about a famous artwork along the way. The whole series is great.
December 22, 2017
Late elementary level book
July 10, 2018
This was a great book. I am looking forward to reading it to my students this year. I actually want to get the next book and read it. :-).
March 18, 2020
Nettie’s mother daughter book club book
September 11, 2020
I read this with Owen. We both enjoyed it. Easy read with a Jumanji adventurous feel. It has fun graphics and you learn about real art in the process! Great for 3rd graders
January 25, 2021
A talking orange pig in a top hat that came out of a painting no way! But everything is possible even a kid getting sucked into a painting with the fantastic frame.
April 12, 2021
2.5 stars
May 26, 2022
Weird and adventurous but great
June 1, 2022
Em gave this five ⭐️. I would probably give it 3⭐️.
Read
September 8, 2025Not quite SLQB. Fun, readable, characters one white boy and one Black girl. But no thematic content--just seemed wanting in that way.
October 25, 2016
(JOINT REVIEW OF DANGER! TIGER CROSSING AND SPLAT! ANOTHER MESSY SUNDAY): Not sure if this is Middle Grade or even younger, but in either case this is not my usual reading material - so a bit challenging to try putting myself into the mind of an elementary school student. That said, as a writer, graphic designer and former parent of elementary school students myself, there is a lot here for anyone to love.
First, as funding for arts education in America continues to be cut, anything that introduces young children to the world of art history or Fine Arts in general should be applauded. Lin’s decision to focus each story on one particular painting was a brilliant move, and encourages kids to use their imaginations to look for the “story inside the painting” in a way that many art teachers fail to communicate. Also, her postscript chapter on the history of each painting and artist is a sneaky way to slip in some genuine education.
Second, Samantha Kellis’ illustrations are brilliant – both literally and figuratively – and play such an important part in the stories that I hope her name gets moved from the back cover to the front in future additions to this charming series. (BTW, you can see more examples of her artwork at www.samkellis.com, including a cover for what I assume will be the third book in the series, BEWARE! SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT based on Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” – I can’t wait to see what Lin does with “The Raft of the Medusa”!!).
And thirdly, the production quality of the entire book is really high quality. The covers and binding are first-rate, and the inside printing is high class as well – although I wish the first appearances of the actual paintings (Rousseau's “Surprise!” and Seurat's “A Sunday Afternoon,” on pages 29 and 22 respectively) had been in color, since both paintings lose much of their impact in black and white.
As to the literary merit of these books, I’m just out of my element here – they’re intended for an audience a good half-century younger than me. However, if asked whether I would buy these for my grandchildren-to-be, the answer is a firm “you betcha!” Children’s books are some of the best bargains out there these days, and both books are conveniently stocking-stuffer sized – so I hope Lin sees a considerable uptake in sales as the holidays approach.
SPOILER: My one disappointment with this first book is that, no matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t find any external reference to a painting called “Orange Pig With Tie” – so this one may well be pure invention. Still, I hope Sam Kellis will include her interpretation of this “lost” masterpiece in a future Fantastic Frame, so that we get even more backstory on the lovable Chive.
First, as funding for arts education in America continues to be cut, anything that introduces young children to the world of art history or Fine Arts in general should be applauded. Lin’s decision to focus each story on one particular painting was a brilliant move, and encourages kids to use their imaginations to look for the “story inside the painting” in a way that many art teachers fail to communicate. Also, her postscript chapter on the history of each painting and artist is a sneaky way to slip in some genuine education.
Second, Samantha Kellis’ illustrations are brilliant – both literally and figuratively – and play such an important part in the stories that I hope her name gets moved from the back cover to the front in future additions to this charming series. (BTW, you can see more examples of her artwork at www.samkellis.com, including a cover for what I assume will be the third book in the series, BEWARE! SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT based on Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” – I can’t wait to see what Lin does with “The Raft of the Medusa”!!).
And thirdly, the production quality of the entire book is really high quality. The covers and binding are first-rate, and the inside printing is high class as well – although I wish the first appearances of the actual paintings (Rousseau's “Surprise!” and Seurat's “A Sunday Afternoon,” on pages 29 and 22 respectively) had been in color, since both paintings lose much of their impact in black and white.
As to the literary merit of these books, I’m just out of my element here – they’re intended for an audience a good half-century younger than me. However, if asked whether I would buy these for my grandchildren-to-be, the answer is a firm “you betcha!” Children’s books are some of the best bargains out there these days, and both books are conveniently stocking-stuffer sized – so I hope Lin sees a considerable uptake in sales as the holidays approach.
SPOILER: My one disappointment with this first book is that, no matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t find any external reference to a painting called “Orange Pig With Tie” – so this one may well be pure invention. Still, I hope Sam Kellis will include her interpretation of this “lost” masterpiece in a future Fantastic Frame, so that we get even more backstory on the lovable Chive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews