Max's Chocolate Chicken
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Max steals the prize in the egg hunt, upsetting his older sister.
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What's the Story?
What begins as an egg hunt ends as a quest for Max and the delicious prize--a chocolate chicken. Ruby competitively searches for hidden eggs, while Max peacefully explores the scenery. The age differences played out between the two will have kids and parents laughing.
Is It Any Good?
The age and personality differences between bunnies Max and Ruby are again illuminated, and children with siblings will relate to the tension and humor of this charming story. Young Max does not see the point of hunting for eggs when the prize is already within his literal grasp. Instead of arguing with big sister Ruby, he simply takes the first opportunity to snatch and eat the prize chocolate chicken.
Rosemary Wells' rabbit caricatures of brother and sister reveal quite human elements. For example, Ruby's facial expressions divulge her feelings of confidence, self-satisfaction, and surprise. The reader becomes privy to Max's hiding place as the illustrations expose him munching on the chocolate chicken. A mysterious character (made known only through the illustrations) plays an important role.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Max takes the chicken. Did he know it was the wrong thing to do? Do you think he would have done it if he were as old as Ruby? Would Ruby have shared the prize with her younger brother?
Book Details
- Author: Rosemary Wells
- Illustrator: Rosemary Wells
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Penguin Group
- Publication date: January 1, 1989
- Number of pages: 22
- Last updated: September 28, 2015
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