The Masterpiece Adventures Book 3: Trouble at School for Marvin & James by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy, 104 pp, RL 1.5

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Seven years ago I reviewed Masterpiece by Elise Broach with illustrations by Kelly Murphy and I loved it. Three years ago I was very happy to review The Miniature World of Marvin & James, the first in a chapter book series based on the middle grade novel.  Since then, I started work as librarian in an elementary school with a book collection that was severely lacking in Bridge Chapter Books and this was one of the first ones I added to the shelves. Since it's been three years, I wanted to make sure that this fantastic series is fresh in the minds of anyone who has an emerging reader looking for high interest books.

In book three, Trouble at School for Marvin and James, James invites Marvin to come to school with him. Art class is first and Marvin is an artist! Together, they use chalk pastels and create an amazing picture of a monarch butterfly. Everything is going well until lunch in the cafeteria and a huge sneeze sends Marvin flying into the trash along with all the leftover lunch.


Even though his favorite chocolate cookie is next to him, Marvin is worried and scared and maybe even crying just a little. But, a friendly cockroach, a cherry Lifesaver and a bit of good luck save the day! What I love most about The Masterpiece Adventures are the friendship, perseverance and great story telling that Broach brings to these books. Combined with Murphy's marvelous illustrations that bring the creativity and adventure to life, this series is a winner!


The Miniature World of Marvin & James        James to the Rescue

Source: Purchased

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