(2) 1-3 Masterpiece Adventures series. Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Unconventional friends James (a human boy) and Marvin (a beetle) head to school. Artist Marvin is especially enthusiastic about meeting art teacher Mr. Chang. Told from a beetle's-eye point of view, their day is all fun and games until Marvin accidentally winds up in the garbage. Short, punchy sentences; lively pen-and-ink drawings; and large type make the book accessible to new chapter-book readers.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2017

(2) 1-3 Masterpiece Adventures series. Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Beetle Marvin is going collecting in the Pompadays' apartment, where the beetles live behind a kitchen cupboard. When Uncle Albert is accidentally cut by a pair of nail scissors, Marvin enlists the aid of his best friend, human James. Broach, aided by Murphy's frequent black-and-white illustrations, has created another story that beginning chapter-book readers can read and also want to read.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(2) 1-3 Masterpiece Adventures series. Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. A new early chapter book series follows the friendship of beetle Marvin and human James (Masterpiece) for a younger audience. The sentences are shorter and the illustrations more prominent, but the amiable tone and relatable characters are the same. New readers will be rewarded by this page-turning adventure, written throughout with emotional authenticity and ending with a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2014