Tools for this page
Print

Max and Ruby

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 3; suggested age 3.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Siblings set a positive example for preschoolers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 3 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Ruby is responsible for her actions as well as her little brother's. She models patient behavior.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Max and Ruby was written by Joly Herman

Parents need to know that this series is based on Rosemary Wells' children's stories, which provide a nicely packaged world for young kids. Max and Ruby have no parents, but the subject is never addressed. Ruby takes care of her younger brother, and they have the kind of caring relationship that any parent would want their own kids to have.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the relationship between the siblings. What do the siblings do that your own kids could learn from? Have your kids noticed or asked where Max and Ruby's parents are?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Max and Ruby

What’s the Story?

Lovable bunnies MAX AND RUBY are quite a duo: devious little brother Max (voiced by Billy Rosemberg) is willful, while good-natured older sister Ruby (Samantha Morton) is attentive and patient with him -- sometimes being a touch bossy as well -- but caring and able to set priorities. She teaches hime games like hopscotch and jacks in detail, but Max is more interested in toy cars, eating ice cream, and getting his way, although he never throws a tantrum or gets into too much trouble. Otherwise, the bunnies ride the streetcar, pick apples from the tree, and try to earn badges for their bunny scout uniforms.

Is It Any Good?

Positive and admirable as their behavior may be, one obvious question arises: Where are Ruby and Max's parents? Nonetheless, their world is a utopian one, in which everything is safe and cared for. Max and Ruby's tales allow a comforting, fictional escape for young viewers.

It's refreshing to see a series in which the subject of play is so emphasized. The series is visually compelling and understated in its composition.Though it offers little in terms of educational value, Max and Ruby is a comfortably paced series for preschoolers.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Max and Ruby?

or

to post a review

See 37 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    This tale of two rabbits or pretty much random childhood antics are semi-positive but this leaves the morals with question. The main characters are the tyrant named Ruby who has female dominance over Max her little brother which is the next main character. During the show Ruby sometimes invites her friend over to play with her and leave max to his own games. As we all know, kids just keep wanting to play play play and not sit alone doing nothing so Ruby most of the time has some object like a muffin,toy,etc... and keeps it out of reach from Max. In the end Max gets the object and it pretty much just ends from there... very tasteless since it happens in a majority of the episodes. Its educational but the fact that Max has no male friends and Ruby and her friend force him roleplay as a prince or something from a girls fantasy seems kind of sexist in a way. The fact that he goes against this tyrant at the end but still causing a happy ending makes it positive but being a tyrant to your little brother is not something for little girls to follow. The parents in the show are totally unknown but a majority of the characters are female and they treat Max as such. Ruby is the role model for Max and she never includes him in anything or gives him anything even if the kid is hungry! The fact that she is the obstacle to the destination Max is trying to reach makes me question if this is a kids show or a watered down version of the Holocaust... The animation is just as crappy as the plot for each episode so in conclusion... it is obscene,tasteless,and sexist remove it from air and replace it with Franklin since he seems to be one of the only talking animals left to teach kids without tyrant sibling abuse...

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    This tale of two rabbits or pretty much random childhood antics are semi-positive but this leaves the morals with question. The main characters are the tyrant named Ruby who has female dominance over Max her little brother which is the next main character. During the show Ruby sometimes invites her friend over to play with her and leave max to his own games. As we all know, kids just keep wanting to play play play and not sit alone doing nothing so Ruby most of the time has some object like a muffin,toy,etc... and keeps it out of reach from Max. In the end Max gets the object and it pretty much just ends from there... very tasteless since it happens in a majority of the episodes. Its educational but the fact that Max has no male friends and Ruby and her friend force him roleplay as a prince or something from a girls fantasy seems kind of sexist in a way. The fact that he goes against this tyrant at the end but still causing a happy ending makes it positive but being a tyrant to your little brother is not something for little girls to follow. The parents in the show are totally unknown but a majority of the characters are female and they treat Max as such. Ruby is the role model for Max and she never includes him in anything or gives him anything even if the kid is hungry! The fact that she is the obstacle to the destination Max is trying to reach makes me question if this is a kids show or a watered down version of the Holocaust... The animation is just as crappy as the plot for each episode so in conclusion... it is obscene,tasteless,and sexist remove it from air and replace it with Franklin since he seems to be one of the only talking animals left to teach kids without tyrant sibling abuse...

  3. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    Kids ages: 2, 3
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 3
    I rate this title off for age 3 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Not sure what Nick was thinking

    Ruby is mean spirited and far too bossy to be considered a good role model for Max. It also makes no sense that their parents are NEVER shown. This is one of the few shows banned in our house because of the way Ruby treats other people. My son started emulating the tones and attitude when he was allowed to watch it.

More Great Stuff for Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Must-See TV

    Parenthood

    Parenthood

    Quality drama charts the pros, cons of family togetherness.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name