When James Pompaday receives a drawing set from his artist father, he’s initially disappointed. He’s not into art the way his dad is, and he definitely doesn’t have artistic talent. Ah, James. If only you knew what your narrator does: The pen-and-ink set is actually the key to friendship and intrigue and even an international art heist! And that’s because there’s another main character in this story—a beetle named Marvin who, thanks to the infamous drawing set, stumbles upon his ability to replicate the works of a Renaissance master. So how do a boy and a beetle become friends, let alone stop a ring of smugglers who are making off with priceless works of art? You won’t want to put this book down until you find out.
Genre: Fiction (Tween) Jenny’s rating (out of 5 stars): 4.5 You’ll like this book if: You like stories of unlikely friendships, mixed with mystery and intrigue. You won’t like this book if: Suspense and (mild) deception bother you.