Common Sense Note
With fifty-eight words and in ten endearing illustrations, Rosemary Wells expresses the complex relationship between siblings. Kids love it when the baby gets the last word. And what a word!
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jennifer Gennari
The loving yet bossy Ruby is determined to teach Max a few words, and Rosemary Wells has perfectly captured their relationship. "Back in your chair, Max," Ruby says, after Max breaks an egg she has given him. Ruby wants to be in charge, but in the end Max gets the final word.
The simple tale not only introduces new words to young readers but also makes them feel smart. Children will quickly learn to read this board book and delight in knowing the words baby Max doesn't say.
Max's First Word and its three companion books, first published in 1979, were the first truly durable board books ever published. Recently rereleased, the new illustrations are more colorful, and the book still stands out from other board books by telling a story rather than by just showing familiar objects.
Plot Summary:
Ruby loves her baby-bunny brother, Max, and wants to teach him a few words. Parents and children will instantly recognize the realism of the interplay between them--bossiness, stubbornness, and exasperation--and will love the surprise ending.
Related Books:
Max and Ruby have won the hearts of many toddlers. Max's other adventures at bath time and bedtime and on his birthday, to name a few, are chronicled in a series of eight board books. Max and Ruby also star in longer picture books such as Max's Dragon Shirt.
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