Bravo, Max! [Paperback]

Sally Grindley (Author), Tony Ross (Illustrator)

Book Description

Dear D.J.,

We saw my uncle Derek in a play at Christmas. He was so funny, Mum had tears rolling down her cheeks.

Now I want to write a really funny play to make her laugh some more.

Please, will you help me?

Love from Max

And so continues Max¹s funny correspondence with his favorite author, D.J. Lucas. As Max reveals his secrets and worries, a story about love, sharing, and growing up begins to emerge.

Bravo, Max! will have fans cheering for Max all over again!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—Youngsters who haven't read Dear Max (S & S, 2006), which features a correspondence between a boy and a well-known children's author, might have a hard time catching up to the story line in this second volume. Max, who turns 11 during the course of the book, faces new problems as he copes with life at home and at school. His pen pal, D.J. Lucas, attempts to alleviate some of the boy's anxiety over Mum's new boyfriend (Hairychops), a bossy babysitter, and gossipy schoolmates. The letters written between Max and D.J. seem a bit stiff at times, and children will have to read well into the book to figure out their relationship. The British dialogue makes for a narrow audience (e.g., Max expresses excitement about the new blue waistcoat that his mother is making him for a special event). Type fonts help to differentiate between the two letter writers. The postcards included are hard to decipher and easy to skip over. The line drawings that appear throughout are humorous and childlike. An additional purchase for libraries where the first book has a following.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Max and the author D. J. Lucas continue their correspondence begun in Dear Max (2006).In his letters to D. J., Max spills out his resentment at his widowed mother, who is dating a man whom Max calls Fungus Face. Through gentle suggestions, D. J. helps Max deal with his troubles, and after Max is invited by his mom's new boyfriend to participate in a Christmas show, all is forgiven. Along the way, Max writes a play that parallels the events in his life. Illustrator Ross provides plenty of scribbled drawings that are supposed to be Max's as well as some more sophisticated efforts that represent postcards sent between friends. The letters and drawings convey a gentle humor, and both correspondents are genuine and likable characters. Max's English world should be just exotic enough to interest American readers without confusing them with unfamiliar references. Those who liked the first book should enjoy this installment. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (March 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416936459
• ISBN-13: 978-1416936459
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #423,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > Stepfamilies

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The series of back-and-forth letters are engaging, easy reads, June 10, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bravo, Max! (Hardcover)

Max is writing to his favorite author, D.J. Lucas - and he reveals his secrets and worries as his author friend reveals her writing successes and challenges. The series of back-and-forth letters are engaging, easy reads and kids ages 6-9 will find BRAVO, MAX! a lively and personable presentation as a result, perfect for leisure reading.