Masterpiece

Written by Elise Broach · Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Part of the The Masterpiece Adventures series

A boy and a beetle team up for an art heist at the museum.

3.9 Goodreads · 8,540 ratings

292 pages· 51,897 words· Est. 7 hour read· NC700L

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Marvin, a beetle, and James, an eleven-year-old boy, form an unlikely friendship when Marvin's art talent is mistaken for James's. Together, they embark on a daring mission to recover a stolen masterpiece at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As they navigate the complexities of a staged heist, their bond is tested. Can this tiny artist and his human friend outsmart the thieves and save the day? Dive into a world where art, adventure, and friendship collide in a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

From the publisher

Marvin lives with his family under the kitchen sink in the Pompadays’ apartment. He is very much a beetle. James Pompaday lives with his family in New York City. He is very much an eleven-year-old boy.After James gets a pen-and-ink set for his birthday, Marvin surprises him by creating an elaborate miniature drawing. James gets all the credit for the picture and before these unlikely friends know it they are caught up in a staged art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that could help recover a famous drawing by Albrecht Dürer. But James can’t go through with the plan without Marvin’s help. And that’s where things get really complicated (and interesting!). This fast-paced mystery will have young readers on the edge of their seats as they root for boy and beetle. In Shakespeare’s Secret Elise Broach showed her keen ability to weave storytelling with history and suspense, and Masterpiece is yet another example of her talent. This time around it’s an irresistible miniature world, fascinating art history, all wrapped up in a special friendship– something for everyone to enjoy. Masterpiece is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children’s Book of the Year.