Masterpiece by Elise Broach

Masterpiece is the story of an unlikely friendship between and beetle and a boy.  Marvin, the beetle, lives with his family in the cupboard beneath the kitchen sink of the family of James, the boy.   Although the beetle family is well aware of the humans, the activities of the beetles go largely unnoticed - until James receives a pen-and-ink drawing set for his birthday.

Drawn to the ink and paper, Marvin draws a landscape while James is asleep - and the result is mini-masterpiece!   When James discovers that is was Marvin who was the artist, the two become fast friends.  Of course, James's family think James was the artist, and take great pride in "his" talent.

In fact, Marvin's drawing gets James involved in a mystery at the art museum involving the theft of drawings by famous artist Albrecht Dürer.   What ensues is an adventure into the high-stakes world of stolen masterpieces.  With humor, sensitivity, and insight into the emotional power of art, Masterpiece is a terrifically fun book for anyone with an appreciation for friendship, art and adventure.  And beetles.