Max (Reading Rainbow Book) [Paperback]

Bob Graham (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Reading Rainbow Book

A success story for anyone who knows the highs—and lows—of learning to do something for the first time. Max will fly away with your heart!

As the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, Max is destined to join their ranks - once he learns to
fly, that is. But despite his parents’ valiant coaching and encouragement
from his grandparents and friends, Max can’t seem to get off the ground.
Will he ever learn to leap over tall buildings in a single bound?
With quintessential quirkiness, award-winning author Bob Graham has created a mighty tale about the ups and downs of mastering your
potential - all in your own good time.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"What's a family of superheroes to do when their progeny is slow to develop his flying skills? Graham answers this question handily with scenarios that will have readers laughing out loud, as Max discovers his own special qualities," wrote PW in our Best Books citation. Ages 4-7. (Sept.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-Max has been born into a family of superheroes, but, despite his cape, mask, and his parents' encouragement, he just can't seem to get the hang of flying. By the time he starts school, he still prefers the ground, and even his classmates' taunts don't prod him to change. However, when a baby bird falls from its nest, Max throws caution (and thoughts of himself) to the wind and leaps to save the fledgling, the first step toward his becoming "a small hero doing quiet deeds." Now Max flies all around and spends his days quietly helping others and, sometimes, flying around with his parents just for the fun of it. The simple, straightforward story has just a slight dose of tension provided by Max's grandfather, who is baffled by his grandson's reluctance to fly. However, the support and acceptance the boy receives from his parents are heartwarming and reassuring. The colorful ink-and-watercolor cartoon illustrations are the strength of the book. Done in a mix of comic-strip boxes and full-page spreads, they give the story an appealing look and feel, and clearly reinforce the play between fantasy and reality. Storytime listeners are sure to delight in the masked faces of Max's parents, Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, and his slightly lumpy, superhero grandparents. A welcome, gentle look at the world of superheroes.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763618578
• ISBN-13: 978-0763618575
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,347,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Appealed to the kid in me, August 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Max (Hardcover)

It is the cartoon like pictures that make Max, the book, so fun and Max, the boy, so likeable. The story is alla bout the familiar problem of not quite being able to do something that is expected of one--in this case flying like his superhero parents. The parents are clearly distressed by this, but try their darnedest not to let Max feel too badly about it. One day he finally does fly to save a falling bird. The morals come on a little thick then--people learn at their own rates, it is ok to b a minor hero. Even my teen-age daughters appreciated that Max wished his mother would not hug him in public. This is not an earth shaking tale, but it is an enjoyable one.

5.0 out of 5 stars A true superhero, February 4, 2009

By 

deo741 "deo" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Max (Reading Rainbow Book) (Paperback)

Max is the son of two superheroes but cannot fly. This concerns his parents and superhero grandparents as they live their lives in a lightning bolt shaped house in Anywhere, USA. When a baby bird falls from its nest before it is ready to fly, Max finally takes to the air to save it, making his parents and grandparents proud. Max continues to save the world in his own little ways, showing us all what it means to be a superhero. I got this for my son, Max, who, whenever given a chance, always wishes he could be a superhero.
This is a great read aloud book.

5.0 out of 5 stars My Son's Favorite, May 29, 2006

By 

Barry S. Coleman "Barry S. Coleman" (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Max (Hardcover)

My [...] son absolutely loves this books. He asks that it be read to him each night before he goes to bed. It reminds me of the movie The Incredibles because it features a family of super heros. I would recommend it for the 4 to 7 year old age range.