Marvin the Moth in A Bite to Remember Book Tour
Cover Blurb
On a warm summer night, while out for an evening flutter, Marvin the moth spots a grand regal lady wearing his favorite snack: a delicious red silk dress! Determined to take a bite, he goes into hot pursuit: a decision which will lead him on a mouthwatering musical adventure, filled with tooting trombones, crashing cymbals, and one cranky conductor. This fun vibrant book, for children ages 5 and up, celebrates the merits of perseverance and shows just how rewarding it can be to do the things that seem too hard to do.
Other Titles By the Author
Author Bio
Nick Schönfeld is a writer of fiction, non-fiction, and advertising. His education in international schools all over the world fuelled both his proficiency and fascination with language and voice. He has garnered numerous prizes including a Cannes Lion Award and his career and love of writing grew from his early education and from his film school education in New York and London. Nick was born in The Netherlands. He lives in Amsterdam with his partner.
The Book Tour
Day 1 - Favourite Quotes
Day 2 - Character Summaries
Marvin the Moth: He is such a fun character! I especially like his tussle with the maestro (conductor) of the concert. He brings to life in a fun way a flying insect that some kids and adults might fear. His rhyming speech is very clever, and I love how all of the musical instruments are all introduced to the reader. Although this is an opera that Marvin has found himself in when he is pursuing the regal lady with the red silk dress, and therefore not something that a child would probably visit until they are much older, the story is so well done as the orchestra and their music is introduced. (Yvonne Marrs)
Marvin the Moth: It must surely be Marvin himself. His tenacity is adorable and I think something rather relatable to small children – mine, at least, is extremely single minded and approves of how far he is willing to go to procure that specific, perfect snack. While I can relate to the decadent need to treat oneself every so often, my daughter can relate to the sheer ebullience Marvin displays in refusing to give up no matter how he is delayed, battered, or otherwise put off from reaching that crimson gown. I personally enjoyed that the narrator was at least a little biased on Marvin's behalf. While we as humans might prefer our attire uneaten, it's whimsical and fun to take the perspective of a creature who finds it quite unfair that we are leaving all of this 'food' on the proverbial table. In my opinion, that fosters an exercise in empathy that's always refreshing and welcome in the stories I choose to share with my child. That being said, he's hardly a paragon of virtue, the snacky little scamp. He's entertainingly flawed, which helps anthropomorphize him a bit and make him more of a character for young minds. May we all chase our dreams so relentlessly! (Angel Wiebenga)
Marvin the Moth: Everyone’s favourite character was Marvin the Moth. The kids thought it was funny that he loves eating silk so much and laughed at his escapades. The parents appreciated the message of pushing on through difficulty. Marvin is determined through many difficult circumstances to fulfill his wish, and just as he is about to give up he is rewarded with far more than he was initially hoping for. (Sarah Richardson)
Marvin the Moth: Marvin, of course. The delightful and expressive art of Marvin helps to evoke sympathy and amusement, and his determined nature makes it easy to root for him. (Tim Marshall)
Marvin the Moth: Marvin is excellent. He certainly has pizazz! He is of course the character of the show, hankering after red silk. He goes through all the drama of the orchestra, the performance, until he is thrown into the dressing room where he can eat his fill. (Eryn McConnell)
Marvin the Moth: Marvin, the moth. He is daring! He is brave! He is determined! And he never surrenders! He’ll fight come hell or high water to fulfil his desires. And he makes it! He gets his well-deserved reward, it’s his dream come true. Marvin sets a good example for children in a really fun way. You just need to accept that you may get smacked or crushed on your way to success. But remember to persevere! (Veronica Franco)
Day 3 - Favourite Excerpts
As their battle raged on. The music changed pace. And the players fought hard. Just to stay in the race - this can be how band players feel at times, so it is just perfect! (Yvonne Marrs)
“It is hopeless. It’s over. Enough is enough. I surrender. I’m done. It has just been too tough. I am pulling the plug and I no longer care. So, forget the red dress and the whole silk affair. Then a scent filled the air just as Marvin gave in. Its exquisite perfume made his little head spin. As the heavenly smell wafted by, oh, so sweet, Marvin knew with one sniff, he was in for a treat." (Angel Wiebenga)
“What a strange song it was, Full of vibrating sounds, Like the long, forlorn howls. Of a pack of wild hounds. Then a series of horns. Mostly French, reared their heads. They tooted a tune. That blew Marvin to shreds. A flourish of flutes. And three oboes joined in. A tsunami of sound! Such a furious din! (Sarah Richardson)
“I know where she is! I can still smell her scent! Do you know what I’ll do? I’ll sneak in through that vent.” When he reached the pipe’s end, Marvin squeezed through a crack. But instead of his dinner. He was greeted by black! (Tim Marshall)
The maestro's baton then got in Marvin's way. Oh really,? A duel? Fine. En garde, touché. Marvin lunged and he parried. Retreating somewhat. But the maestro kept going! What a pain in the butt. (Eryn McConnell)
If you find it’s too hard. Or you’re all out of juice. And you want to give up. Or you feel it’s no use. Just keep doing the thing. That seems too hard to do, ‘Cause if Marvin can do it. You know you can, too.' (Veronica Franco)
Day 4 - Video Interview
Day 5 - Reviews
Overall rating: 5 stars. This fun children's book featuring Marvin the Moth on an adventure to find his favourite snack, red silk, also ties in musicians and concerts, including the different musical instruments in a typical band. A great starter for children to be introduced to concerts with a live music band or orchestra. Very cleverly written to give a life lesson that Marvin also learned: whatever you want to do or achieve, if you keep trying, you will succeed. (Yvonne Marrs)
Overall rating: 5 stars. A beautifully illustrated children’s book that will introduce readers to how fun poetry can be. Not to mention the age-old moral that, if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything! (Andrew Bell)
Overall rating: 5 stars. When the gurgle of an empty tummy meets the lure of the perfect snack, a universally relatable quest calls to us all. Marvin’s character is both visually and personally entertaining. The language of this book is complex and challenging, but it helpfully includes a glossary – which is shockingly refreshing in this day and age. While it may be challenging to its younger age group, many children will happily rise to a challenge that trusts their curiosity and sense of play, as this book does. Simple enough to be understood on its first read, complex enough to invite further exploration, and visually a treat – Marvin the Moth will certainly be a book we remember. (Angel Wiebenga)
Overall rating: 5 stars. We all loved this one. It kept everyone interested from beginning to end, and had us flipping back and forth when there was an instrument someone didn’t recognize to find the explanations at the front and back of the book. The story provided a solid moral lesson and the musical sections were educational. My oldest child, who just turned 8, was particularly enthralled and asked if we can buy a copy. It was quite long for the younger children but kept them entertained. (Sarah Richardson)
Overall rating: 5 stars. Marvin the Moth is a tale of one moth’s quest for culinary nirvana during an eventful night at the theatre. The cover is immediately eye-catching, and further illustrations and the story inside do not disappoint. The rhyme is well-written, with a rhythm that flows naturally, and the cartoons that accompany are packed with detail, adding plenty of comedy for readers of all ages. The additional educational elements enhance the value, and I believe this is certainly one to remember. (Tim Marshall)
Overall rating: 5 stars. Marvin knows what he wants, and nothing will stop him from sinking his teeth into it. He spots his objective, he sets his goals, and there he goes! This adorable character will go through a risky musical quest to get to his much-desired banquet. And his determination will make him succeed! This delightful story with rhyming text is funny and witty. Action and humour are perfectly balanced. The hilarious illustrations, very expressive and which younger audiences will easily follow, provide big laughs. A good opportunity to learn vocabulary for older children and an invitation for them to make up their own rhymes. The book also includes a good introduction to musical instruments. Its descriptions explain in a very simple but effective way musical concepts for young music lovers and maybe future musicians. A chucklesome reminder to never give up! (Veronica Franco)
Book Tour Reviewers
