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Gr 4-8 Broach combines discussion about the art of Albrecht Dürer with a powerful tale of friendship in a novel that is entertaining and full of adventure. Marvin is a beetle, and he and his family live in the Manhattan kitchen that belongs to the Pompaday family. When James receives a pen-and-ink drawing set for his 11th birthday, Marvin discovers that he is a bug with artistic talent. Although he can't speak to James, they soon bond ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

As in Broach's earlier novel Shakespeare's Secret, high art, deep intrigue, and warm friendship converge. James's eleventh birthday party is such a depressing affair that Marvin, an extroverted kitchen beetle, can't resist secretly making him a present. The elegant miniature cityscape he draws (with two front legs dipped in ink) i...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

James's eleventh birthday party is so depressing, Marvin, a beetle, can't resist making him a present. The cityscape Marvin draws i...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Masterpiece is at once a warm friendship story, a suspenseful mystery, an exciting adventure, and a charming introduction to the art world. While Marvin and his family consider humans careless and daft (but good providers of food and furnishings!), they also regard them as dangerous. Marvin, a kindhearted young beetle, makes an exception for eleven-year-old James, a thoroughly likeable kid who doesn’t get enough attention from his divorced parents. Marvin can understand James’s every word but isn’t able to speak to him. The bo...Log In or Sign Up to Read More