Masterpiece

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

I’m holding this 2012 Caudill nominee in my hand and don’t know what to say. Perhaps I should wait and write tomorrow. I really wanted to get another under my belt. But I notice something I hadn’t noticed before. It has a mystery sticker on the spine. The author’s debut novel, Shakespeare’s Secret, was a Caudill nominee not too long ago. I remember enjoying it. It was also a mystery. I am not fond of mysteries. Why did I enjoy these? What was different about them?

In both books we get an art history lesson and not a typical grade school art lesson either. The author isn’t talking down to the reader. She tackles big words, ideas and concepts in such a way that I don’t feel I’m getting an education. Her first book’s mystery revolved around William Shakespeare. This book’s mystery centers upon the sketches of Albrecht Dürer, a German Renaissance artist, and the disappearance of a few of his miniatures.

The main character of Masterpiece is miniature as well. Meet Marvin the beetle. Marvin lives under the kitchen sink with his immediate family. They share their space with aunts, uncles and cousins. They live in the apartment of the Pompaday family – Mr., Mrs., James and William.

Mrs. Pompaday works in a high profile job with high profile clients and wants to live a high profile life. Her first husband, and James’ father, is Karl Terik, artist. Although they both shared a love for beauty, it was not enough and they parted ways. James probably takes after his father. He is quiet and introspective. He does not enjoy the life his mother craves.

The beetle family spends at least a portion of their lives watching the Pompadays. When the book begins, they are watching the birthday party that Mrs. Pompaday throws for James. It is a party made up of client’s kids rather than of James’ friends. Marvin truly likes James and wishes for him to be happy, so when the birthday party leaves James less than excited, Marvin wants to give him a good present.

Marvin rolls a Buffalo nickel to James’ room and leaves it in a prominent position on the floor. One of James’ presents, from his artist father, is a pen and ink set. Marvin wishes to get a closer look and finds the ink cap off. He decides to make a picture for James. Using his front legs to paint, Marvin captures the view outside of the bedroom window in perfectly detailed miniature. He completes it as James wakes up. James is so enthralled by the picture that Marvin cannot help but show himself. And a wonderful friendship begins.

Of course, Mrs. Pompaday finds the picture and figures James drew it. She also discovers that her clients are willing to pay big money for it. But this is not the problem. The problem is that the picture looks so much like a Dürer, James will eventually be asked to duplicate a Dürer to protect the original. Oh the tangled web we weave … But that’s a spider saying!

Recommended for 4th through 6th graders.