Max the Brave is a charming little kitty who looks a bit like a child’s clever thumbprint creation. This mini superhero wears a red cape and appears fierce while proclaiming that he's in pursuit of mice―except for one important complication: He’s not sure what a mouse looks like.
British author-illustrator Ed Vere’s latest offering has already been named to The Sunday Times’ list of 100 Children’s Modern Classics, and rightfully so. Max’s short, sweet quest has all the ingredients of an instant readaloud hit as this kitty searches for a mouse and encounters a fly, fish, birds and an elephant, all of whom report that they have just seen mouse scamper by.
Preschoolers will love the repetitive nature of the animals’ question-and-answer conversations, along with the mounting excitement of the inevitable mouse encounter. Vere’s minimalist graphics are highlighted by his bold, spare use of color, which makes Max and all he encounters pop right off the page.
When Max finally meets Mouse, the clever rodent claims to be Monster and artfully steers Max toward the real Monster, whom he says is Mouse. All of this confusion just adds to the fun, leading to an epic encounter that brings to mind Jonah and the whale.
Max the Brave has it all: a bold, bumbling superhero; laugh-out-loud preschool humor; eye-catching illustrations; and a fun twist at the end. Kids will ask immediately to hear this one again.
