Customer Reviews

Big Max

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Kin Platt's "Big Max" chronicles the adventures of the title character, a Sherlockian detective who approaches a case concerning a missing elephant with unorthodox but always logical acumen. Young readers will delight in solving many of the small mysteries along with Big Max on the way to the resolution of the central enigma. Robert Lopshire's clean illustrations perfectly complement the story, putting a droll face on Max, The King of Pooka Pooka, and Jumbo the Elephant. "Big Max" played a major role in my own development as a reader -- I devoured it dozens of times when I was a child.

The King of Pooka Pooka's elephant is missing, and Big Max, the world's greatest detective, is hired to find him. This is a heartwarming story about the importance of family, disguised as a suspenseful mystery. Where did Jumbo go, and why? The journey to the answer is entertaining, and should appeal to all ages. I read it for the first time more than 25 years ago, and it is still one of my favorite books after many, many readings.

I gave this book to my five year old niece only after strictly informing her that I would be repossessing it after a few years for my own personal collecion. Big Max is fun to read on a rainy afternoon, no matter your age. Is Big Max the world's greatest detective? He only admits that he tries to be, and that is all you can ask for.

Reason for Reading: My son read the book to me as his reader.

Comments: The King of Pooka Pooka calls in Big Max to find his missing elephant, Jumbo, who was kept in a locked courtyard with no possible way out. Big Max, who travels by umbrella, takes the case and follows the clues to solve the mystery and find the beloved Jumbo, as today is his birthday. Big Max is an adorable character! Very helpful and clever in following the trail of clues, not letting a false clue steer him wrong for long. My son really enjoyed this book! He found the mystery aspect exciting and tried to guess what was happening ahead of Big Max. He also thought the story was very funny and we had some laugh out loud moments. A huge success as it had ds wanting to read more than was required of him at almost every sitting! Robert Lopshire's illustrations are priceless and Big Max is a comical pastiche of the old-time detective with his deer stalker Sherlock Holmes outfit, hat pulled down so low that his magnifying glass seems to be his only sight and his diminutive size challenges him to live up to his name, Big Max. A well-written story, with plot that is sure to please young readers. This is still in publication and is now being published as a Level 2 reading level in the current series.

I have had a copy of this book for probably 25 years, give or take a few. I loved reading it as a kid and patched it up again today so that I can read it to my children. This is an entertaining story for both children and adults. Big Max has made me chuckle many, many times. I highly recommend this!

Once again, this is another great book from the I can read series. Thank you for providing books that my kids love to learn from and read. These stories make reading enjoyable for both of my boys. Thanks again.

Though the book is described as an "I can Read Book 2," It is a wonderful book for pre-readers also. The stories are short and fun, and the language isn't as contrived as the 'Book 1' books. I would recommend this books for pre-schoolers.

This book is "perfect" for my grandson. The skill level is just right; he not only likes to read it, he is making progress in his reading while doing so.