kathrynwilliams's review
5.0
Wonderful early chapter book that I read aloud during a beach vacation. I loved the illustrations and the friendship between Marvin & James.
lydia_bryant's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Miniature World of Marvin & James was written by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy, and published in 2014. This text was written for the age group of eight to ten-year-olds. In the text, James is going on vacation for a week. His best friend, Marvin, the beetle, must stay home. Without James to keep him company, Marvin has to play with his annoying cousin, Elaine. This text is a fantastic read and is an excellent step for a second grader going into third grade and reading at a more advanced level. The text was simple and still interesting for a second-grade reader. It had a cheerful theme and showed great behaviors such as patience, kindness, self-control, and problem-solving skills. The characters are a young boy and a family of beetles; in the Beatles family, they are both boys and girls. The illustrations use a variety of brown tones that are still engaging to a young reader with all the fun variations of images shown. <early chapter book> <fiction> <adventurous> <funny> <Lighthearted>
kmarieemerson's review
3.0
My rating is based upon suitability for my 2nd graders and is basically just for me to look back on next year. It was a bit short and simplified for their liking although they did mostly like it, they are ready for something with a more complex story line and richer writing.
It would be a better read aloud for first grade or kindergartners.
It’s a cute story and you could tie lots of academics into it:
* riddles and adjectives…what’s the mystery machine?)
* calendar/seasons
* writing-list making
* friendship
It would be a better read aloud for first grade or kindergartners.
It’s a cute story and you could tie lots of academics into it:
* riddles and adjectives…what’s the mystery machine?)
* calendar/seasons
* writing-list making
* friendship
kellkie's review
3.0
I haven't read Masterpiece, which now I think I'll need to backtrack and read. I can see young readers enjoying this fun early chapter book, which is filled with a little misadventure and a touch of the importance of feeling loved by good friends.
melancholylethe's review
5.0
This book was cute and is perfect for my new readers in class. They should be able to read this without feeling frustrated and Marvin is a cute little beetle!
kellerm's review
3.0
It was short and sweet. Good for early grades I liked Masterpiece better. pictures added to enjoyment.
readingthroughtheages's review
3.0
Cute beginning chapter book about two friends, a boy named James and his beetle, Marvin. James is getting ready to go on vacation with his mom, and Marvin is sad to see his friend go. But Marvin ends up having his own adventure to keep him busy. However, when he hears that James is having fun and meeting new friends, Marvin gets worried he's being replaced. He learns the lesson that you can have fun but still be missed. This book will be great for mature 1st graders who are ready for chapter books and 2nd graders.
yapha's review
4.0
Marvin the beetle is sad when his best friend, a human named James, goes to the beach on vacation. He is bored and lonely, and worried that James will make new friends and forget all about him. Although Marvin has an exciting adventure while James is gone, it isn't the same since he can't share it with James. This is a sweet and reassuring story about good friends, with the reminder that someone can't miss you unless they go away for a little while. Recommended for grades 1-3.
hmcgee's review
3.0
Noah: 4 stars. “I like at the end. That James came home and Marvin gave him a present and James gave Marvin a present.”
William: 3.5 stars. “I liked when his little brother William said ‘ya-ya!’ when he came home.”
William: 3.5 stars. “I liked when his little brother William said ‘ya-ya!’ when he came home.”