Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Personalized picks at your fingertips

Get the mobile app on iOS and Android

Parents' Guide to

Max's First Word

By Jennifer Gennari, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Kids will enjoy the siblings' relationship.

Max's First Word Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

age 7+

It’s fake

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate