Saturday, April 23, 2011

Masterpiece

By: Elise Broach


James Pompaday has no idea that the pen-and-ink set he receives for his birthday will lead to adventures including art, robbery, and beetles!  Marvin is one of the beetles who lives in the walls of the Pompaday's home. Using his tiny legs and James' new ink, Marvin creates an intricate drawing of the scene outside the window.  James is mistakenly credited for the drawing and soon finds himself (and Marvin) forging famous drawings and trying to catch art thieves!


Mrs. Senechal says:
The author's descriptions of the beetles' day-to-day life were very imaginative - I could just picture the beetles using the tiny leftovers of human life for their own needs.  Even though it seemed unrealistic for a boy and a beetle to be friends, it was fun to read about such a unique relationship.  If you enjoy art (and bugs), you'll definitely life this book!