Max and Ruby's Bedtime Book (Max and Ruby)

There are more than 40 books about the bunny Max and his rivalry with his big sister, Ruby. Here, once again, the little rebel is ignored and belittled, until he triumphs in the end, often with the support of Grandma. In one scenario, Max and Ruby beg for bedtime stories, and Grandma tells them three stories about themselves. In another, Ruby and her friend Louise play restaurant, and Max refuses their offer to be dishwasher. Instead, he whips up a terrific dessert––chocolate mousse made with shampoo and potting soil––much to Grandma’s delight. Max also triumphs over the authority-figure lifeguard at the lake, proving that a small kid can perform a heroic rescue. The detailed pictures, composed of ink, watercolor, colored pencil, and collage, include lots of white space that highlights the siblings’ stand-offs, and it is the moments of meanness and rebellion that make the story’s snuggly conclusion so cozy. Preschool-Grade 1. --Hazel Rochman

Copyright 2010 Booklist, LLC Used with permission

This short-story collection from the steady hand of Wells displays the mischievous sweetness of the Max and Ruby stories with their candy-heart coloring.

Copyright 2010 Kirkus Reviews, Used with permission.

Like many children, Max and Ruby want to hear story after story before bed, and Grandma complies in this compilation of three adventures. Grandma tells of the time Ruby and her friend Louise opened Cafe Ruby-Lou; the day Max saved Louise's sister Lily's doll from drowning; and Max and Lily's trip to playschool in a toy airplane, each of which she claims will be "the last story." Brightly illustrated and filled with her customary cheer, Wells's latest Max and Ruby book should entice both old and new fans of these lively siblings, and leave them hoping that this isn't really "the end of the end." Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--When Grandma reads a bedtime story to her grandchildren, one story morphs into three dynamic tales, each starring these irresistible rabbit siblings. The ever-helpful, yet exasperating Max tries to assert his independence with humorous results. In "Ruby's Restaurant," he tries desperately to include himself in the imaginative dinner his sister and her friend prepare, though he is halted at every opportunity. Max's persistence reveals a child-centered perspective as he concocts a positively gross creation of chocolate mousse for dessert (combining dirt, shampoo, and bird-seed shavings) to his accepting grandmother's loving satisfaction. Max's heroism shines in "Splish Splash" when he saves his friend Lily's dolly from the lake's disastrous depths and reaps a refreshing reward, a savory cherry-lemon-lime rainbow pop. In "Max Goes to School," Max and Lily refuse to attend playschool and sit idly in their toy airplane, much to their older sisters' dismay. With the girls lending a helping hand, Max and his friend experience the best of both worlds--school in their airplane. Punchy dialogue serves this inviting and oversized layout well; light pastel spreads suit each whimsical story line and its sweetly realized conclusion. A solid selection particularly for those already enamored by this lovable bunny duo.--Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Max and Ruby's Bedtime Book

"Brightly illustrated and filled with her customary cheer, Wells's latest Max and Ruby book should entice both old and new fans of these lively siblings, and leave them hoping that this isn't really 'the end of the end.'"—Publishers Weekly

"Added to one's home collection, this book is sure to be requested at many bedtimes."—Children's Literature

"Punchy dialogue serves this inviting and oversized layout well; light pastel spreads suit each whimsical story line and its sweetly realized conclusion. A solid selection particularly for those already enamored by this lovable bunny duo."—School Library Journal

"This short-story collection from the steady hand of Wells displays the mischievous sweetness of the Max and Ruby stories with their candy-heart coloring."—Kirkus Reviews