Eleven year old James lives with his mom and his stepdad. His mother’s career seems to be a higher priority than her son’s happiness. This is evidenced by the birthday party she throws for him with guests he does not know but who might be future business connections. His dad, who appears to be more sincere, stops by later with a gift for James. James politely acknowledges the pen and ink set that his dad brought him, but James doesn’t really feel any passion for drawing. Meanwhile, the family of crickets who live in James’ apartment notice the lousy birthday and decide to do something nice for James. They send their son Marvin (whom they sometimes overprotect and smother with attention) to James’ room with a gift. However, when Marvin gets to the room he discovers the pen and ink set and he decides to draw a present for James. Later James’ mother discovers the streetscape that Marvin drew and assumes that James drew it. James doesn’t deny this and before he realizes how fast things can get out of control, he gets wrapped up in a plot to catch an art thief in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It turns out that Marvin’s style is remarkably similar to that of Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer.
Children who enjoy The Cricket in Times Square will enjoy the unlikely friendship between James and Marvin. Chasing Vermeer fans will be intrigued by the twists and turns of this suspenseful art forgery caper. I booktalked this is October and it continues to be a popular request. Recommended for grades 3-6
4/17/2009
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I second this nomination. I truly enjoyed reading this book about the unusual friendship between a boy and a beetle. I think if the author chose she could make this a series of adventures for James and Marvin.
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