This month’s book is true genius.
We read Masterpiece by Elise Broach. It’s the story of Marvin, a stag beetle, who lives in an apartment with James’ family. James is not appreciated by most members of his family, and so he decides to draw a picture for James’ birthday. Following that they have lots of at and friendship related adventures together.
Masterpiece is a very quoteable book! There are deep thoughts all through the story, and the characters make tough decisions that are great conversation starters. The girls discussed these choices for a long time before heading into the kitchen….
where they made a Pinch-Me Cake. I heard lots of giggling while they rolled the balls of dough in cinnamon and sugar.
Next the girls moved to the table, where they brainstormed the traits of a good friend. They decided that they each needed five ideas – and when they had those, then they wrote up their ideas as a friendship contract, which they all signed. I was quite impressed with their ideas.
Aren’t these great?
We decided that friendship t-shirts would be a fun thing to make. These girls are great – they get along super well and do all of my crazy projects peacefully, which is really saying something! They jumped on the t-shirt idea (because then they’re showing off their friendship and drawing, too, which totally fits the Masterpiece theme) and worked together to make one design. Then each girl drew the design on the shirt with chalk, and when they were ready, they used a Chlorox Bleach Pen on top. Since their shirts were a turquoise color, their lines turned white overnight, and they now have fancy club shirts.
After making their shirts, the girls gathered around the table for a snack of Pinch-Me Cake. They ate almost all of it, much to my husband’s dismay, and seemed to enjoy it.
Masterpiece is an excellent choice for a middle-elementary through middle school reader. With strong themes of friendship and art, your activity choices are endless – and you’ll love the story, too.
What are your kids reading this month?
What are your thoughts?