Maya Makes a Mess

by Rutu Modan (Illustrator)

Are Maya’s manners fit for a queen?

In the midst of a family dinner with her scolding parents, Maya receives a very unexpected invitation to dine with the queen. Suddenly, her messy manners are put to the ultimate test and she begins to improvise her very own set of rules, with uproarious results. Filled with humor and exquisitely imagined detail, this book by Eisner Award–winner Rutu Modan is bound to turn every child into a voracious reader.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Childrens, Fiction, Picture Books, Food, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Rutu Modan (Hebrew: רותו מודן) was born in Tel-Aviv in 1966. In 1992 she graduated cum laude from the illustration program at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. Shortly after graduating, she began regularly writing and illustrating comic strips and stories for Israel's leading daily newspapers, as well as editing the Israeli edition of MAD magazine with Yirmi Pinkus. Together, they founded Actus Tragicus, an internationally acclaimed collective and independent publishing house for alternative comic artists, in 1995. The following year she collaborated with Israeli author Etgar Keret on her first graphic novel, Nobody Said it Was Going to Be Fun, an Israeli bestseller. Rutu has worked as an illustrator for magazines and books in Israel and abroad, with illustrations published in The New York Times, New Yorker and Le Monde, among many other renowned publications.

She has received much recognition for her work, including four Best Illustrated Children's Book Awards from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The Israel Ministry of Culture named Rutu Modan the Young Artist of the Year in 1997, and she was one of the contributors to the Eisner-Nominated Actus Tragicus anthology Jet Lag in 1999. In 2001 she won the Andersen Award for Illustration from the International Board on Books for Young People in Basel, Switzerland, and was nominated for the Ignatz Award for Best Story and Promising New Talent for her story "Bygone" in Flipper, Vol. 2 (Actus Tragicus / Top Shelf.) She has been a chosen artist of the Israel Cultural Excellence Foundation since 2005, and in 2006 she was nominated for the Angoulême Festival's Goccini Award, granted to a scriptwriter whose past year's work deserves special praise.

Reviews

[Juan Naranjo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuánto me gustan los cómics infantiles que cuentan una historia desde una perspectiva infantil, y no desde esa atalaya moral y estética en la que a veces nos empeñamos en envolver la literatura infantil. Cuánto me gusta el dibujo de Rutu Modan, de quien ya disfruté enormemente en su cómic “La propiedad” contando una historia adulta y familiar sobre el retorno a los orígenes.

[Kinga (oazaksiazek) · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,75
Przykro mi to pisać, ale chyba nie zrozumiałam przesłania tej powieści graficznej. "Uczta u królowej" była dla mnie wręcz prostacka (nie mam pomysłu na zastąpienie tego słowa), za krótka a przez to rozczarowująca.

Cała fabuła skupia się wokół małej dziewczynki, której rodzice ciągle zwracają uwagę na poprawne zachowanie przy stole. Potem nagle do jej domu wpada elegancki gościu z nietypowym zaproszeniem, zabiera ją do samolotu i z niewiadomych przyczyn trafia ona na wystawny obiad u królowej.

Co tam się dzieje to głowa mała. Przepraszam, ale ta historia nie jest dla mnie ani trochę realistyczna. Poza tym jak dla mnie zaprzecza sama sobie. Początkowo bowiem rodzice dziewczynki non stop mówią, jak to umiejętność zachowania się w niektórych sytuacjach jest ważna i potrzebna. Potem nagle nie ma to żadnego znaczenia a zachowanie dorosłych, wykształconych osób odbiega od wszelkich przyjętych norm.

Ja rozumiem, że jedzenie bez sztućców jest przyjemne a siedzenie przy stole ze skrzyżowanymi nogami nie ma tak naprawdę żadnego większego znaczenia, ale uważam, że dało się to pokazać w bardziej przyjemny i przede wszystkim prawdziwszy sposób. Jakoś nie jestem w stanie uwierzyć w to, że tak jada się przy królewskim stole. Zresztą uważam, że w pewnych kręgach powinniśmy zachowywać się tak, jak nakazuje obyczaj i jakieś światowe wytyczne czy nawet zwyczajny szacunek do wyżej postawionej osoby.

Jestem ogromnie ciekawa, jak tę książkę odbierają młodsze dzieci i co one myślą na jej temat. W końcu to przede wszystkim do nich skierowana jest ta historia.

Na plus na pewno kreska, która jest bardzo ciekawa i ładna!

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally adding another kids book because I think we have read this at least 50 times through.

[Fredrik Strömberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous children's book using the comics format, made by an artist more known for her much lauded graphic novels for adult readers. Herein lies part of the brilliance of Francoise Mouly's Toon Books, getting the best of the best in contemporary comics art, and making them create comics for kids which is an area strangely lacking in the world of comics. That and applying rigorous systems for what can be done in wording, the usage of characters etc. due to the assumed reading level of the target audience, and applying this to three different levels, making books that can fit any young reader.

Rutu Modan tells a story that seems to be a modern version of the old German children's book Der Struwwelpeter. Both signify their times, for as Struwwelpeter was harshly admonished for not doing as his parents instructed, Maya in this 21st century tale, of course wins the day and even learns the Queen to eat in her own, natural/sloppy way.

I also really liked the full page of advice on how to read comics to kids, something that I have noticed is far from natural to many parents. All-in-all, Toon Books really delivers, and their assortment of books should all be required to be included in all public libraries.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wacky book will appeal to any kid who's ever been told to use their fork.

It's not surprising that the author's bio suggests the idea for this book came out of Modan's own child's mouth--it perfectly captures a slice of life for children, then exaggerates it to goofy effect. The artwork is adorable, the humor good-natured. Easily read by my 7 year old, who loved it, with plenty of interest even for older kids in the same boat. I love that it offers empathy for a common childhood problem, without trying to instruct or advise. While I like books that offer such guidance, I think that a dose of empathy is appropriate in such situations, too.

[Gerard de Bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schattig. AVI 2. Dat gaat er wel in

[Dov Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parents who care a lot about table manners might feel ambivalent at best about "Maya Makes a Mess." But it's a great book for early comic literacy, and though spaghetti with ketchup is not my idea of delicious, there are delectable moments and some unexpected plot twists and turns despite the familiar tropes.

This is one of those picture books that is on the side of the kids rather than adults. I mean, well, so many kids books are like little sermons with seemingly cute (but rather forceful) images. There's a sermon in this one, too. But the moral of the story is more along the lines of: being too serious about table manners can ruin an otherwise perfectly good meal. Dangerous, but enjoyable.

[RLL22016_Joy Bailey Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. Although, I find it unlikely for the queen and her royal party to disregard table manners it's a cute story. This graphic novel basically is about a girl who parents instruct her to use manners when at the table. When asked to attend a royal dinner given by the queen, Maya tries at first to exhibit the manners she learned from her parents. When confused on what appropriate utensil to use for a meal, she's ask someone sitting next to her and they simply tell her to do as she normally does. Maya then begins to eat as she wishes to and receives stares from everyone in the room. The story then takes a twist when the queen gives orders for everyone to eat like Maya. I think this silly story wil be adored by all children who enjoys humor every now and then.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most kids LOVE a good story about a kid proving adults wrong, and this is a cute one. Maya's parents implore her to use good table manners. After all, what if she got invited to dinner with the queen?! Well, that actually happens... and the results left my son cracking up and looking for all the funny details in the pictures of that night's historic dinner. Solid graphic novel pick for younger kids.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly the book to teach a kid manners but a fun story for messy eaters nonetheless Maya introduces a little fun into the prim and proper royal court with her particular style of eating and the illustrations are crazily detailed. should keep the reader lingering on each page studying the pictures.

[Rafa Arjona]

El libro más rápido de la historia

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could get seriously mess, since the book doesn’t offer any table manner suggestions.

First Line:

“Maya don’t eat with your hands”, p.1.

Maya’s table manners are pretty much non existent. Her parents have to remind her what she should not be doing frequently. Their piece de le resistance question for Maya is how would she behave if she were to eat with the Queen? That’s exactly what we find out in Maya Makes a Mess.

What Dazzled: Toon books are graphic novels designed for beginning readers. According to their website:

Comics have always had a unique ability to draw young readers into a story through the drawings. Visual narrative helps kids crack the code that allows literacy to flourish, teaching them how to read from left to right, from top to bottom. Speech balloons facilitate a child's understanding of written dialogue as a transcription of spoken language. Many of the issues that emerging readers have traditionally struggled with are instantly clarified by comics' simple and inviting format.

That’s a pretty fantastic mission.

What Fizzled: “Why do I have to?” This great question asked by Maya is never answered. I get from a plot standpoint that the answer “You need manners! What if you were eating dinner with the Queen?!” leads to the dinner invitation, but I wish that at some point in the book Maya’s parents would have answered the question earnestly.

Jots and Thoughts: Toon Level 2 books are geared towards grades 1-2. I think young readers will enjoy seeing Maya and royalty eat without manners. There’s room here for young readers to also come up with table manner suggestions for Maya, since the author doesn’t provide any. It would also be fantastic to role-play table manners, and yes please to real treats!

P.S. Toon has a great summary of the history of graphic novels.

[The_Mad_Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read Rutu Modan's highly enjoyable graphic novel Exit Wounds and Jamilti and Other Stories , a collection of short pieces, which on the whole is slightly less impressive than the former, but nevertheless well worth reading. Thus, it was difficult to resist the temptation to pick this up this comic at the library.

It is aimed at young children who are in the process of learning to read (and has a TOON Level 2 grading, for those who knows how to read that scale), and so I read it once on my own, and once aloud to my five-year-old.

The story itself is simple enough: Maya is a child who is quite messy at the dinner table, as many younger children quite naturally are, but her parents attempt to coach her behaviour takes a spin into the near fantastic when the question what Maya would do if she had to have dinner with the Queen suddenly manifests itself as real. From there on, the plot takes some undeniably interesting and amusing turns to be sure (according to both the five-year-old and the adult reader).

Grading-wise, I was kind of leaning towards (an impossible) 3.5 stars, with the likelihood of rounding downwards (even though I think Modan is here showing off her better art sensibilities), but after reading it out loud to my child and seeing the enjoyment had by the primary intended, I feel swayed to round upwards.

All in all, it is definitely a nice little story, which showcases Modan's qualities as an artists and a storyteller in the comics medium.

[Mike E. Mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about this children’s book, or better put, book for a child learning to read—everything you need to know is right there on the cover. Look at the detail of the spread laid out on the table: each dish of food is intricately illustrated; the jewelry worn by the queen; the decorations overhung the duke’s (?) coat; the seemingly individual pieces of spaghetti Maya is slurping up off her plate. All given the same attention as the facial expression Maya wears as she stares out at us from the center of the cover, along with the queen’s haughtiness and the duke’s bland disgust. It’s all perfect.

Now, read to small person, a level of enthusiasm is necessary for the entire experience to coalesce. I’m sure you know this.

I’m a long time fan of Ms. Modan’s work, since her English debut Exit Wounds, so I knew I’d have a copy of this day one, for myself, for the art. The laughter of the kids is a wonderful bonus.

[Karissa Dingess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. First off the illustrations in this novel were incredible. I really liked the color and details that stood out to me but most of all I loved the use of spaghetti noodles. From the beginning of the book to the very end a long spaghetti noodle is shown through all the pages ending up at the end with the queen slurping it up. I also really enjoyed this book because it teaches manners and how to use them. We see Maya in the beginning eating with her parents where they are teaching her manners and that's contrasted with the ending where she teaches the Queen and others how she really eats her food. In the end I thought the character Maya would have the best manners but instead she taught others her way of eating. I think this book was a cute read and I recommend reading it if you like a good graphic novel!

[Justin Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes a new but familiar spin on this graphic novel. Graphic novels are very similar to comics but not quite the same. This book, however, is a lot like a comic in the way that it combines panels, comedy, and irony in a real life setting. At first it seems as if the message is quite clear on what the author is aiming to demonstrate but takes a sudden turn, a very sharp turn at that, toward the middle of the plot. I don't want to reveal too much so I will just say that I did not expect the queen to do that. Read this book and you'll understand how silly it can get.

[Shannon Green-Kingery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya's parents are at their wits' end trying to teach her some table manners. The manners become so atrocious that her father asks, "What would happen if you were ever asked to dine with the Queen?" Well, lo and behold, that is just what happens and this is the story of that unusual dinner...

The drawings remind me of those in the Little Nemo strip and the concept is a delight. What a fun little story!

[Przemysław Skoczyński · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bardzo fajna miniaturka o tym, że warto czasem odpuścić w kwestii zasad i nakazów i pozwolić dzieciakom na chwile radosnego i nieskrępowanego szaleństwa. Niby dla młodych, ale ważne wnioski wyciągną również dorośli. Trochę nie rozumiem po co temu zeszytowi twarda oprawa i czy nie lepiej byłoby go po prostu dołączyć do jakiegoś zbioru prac autorki, ale to sprawa drugorzędna

[Lilit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es ist zwar nicht sehr spannend aber lustig

[David Raz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, smart and very well drawn. Four stars out of five.

[Kaitlyn RItchie]

This book is a graphic novel and comic that unfolds during the midst of a family dinner with Maya's scolding parents.

[Guilherme Semionato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Library.

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable !

[Thomas Maluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me use a sixth star to balance out the HATERS

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if you were invited to dine with the queen? Would you know how to eat correctly? Maya gets them all to try her way and it's quite humorous.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, transgressive, and lots of fun. Modan is a master storyteller.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic premise was extremely cute. Maya has terrible table manners, and her parents try to teach her to behave at the table. When she questions why she should have better table manners, her father replies with one of those goofy old sayings, "What if you were eating dinner with the Queen?"
So of course, Maya immediately gets invited to dine with the Queen, and things do not go as her parents would have thought.
I had a bit of difficulty with the story at that point, because the wild royal dinner that resulted was mostly just a mess, and I didn't see why the grownups thought it was fun at all...other than the fact that they got to be "naughty" and not follow rules for one evening, I suppose.
Still, it was interesting, and made a good point that parents ought to have reasonable explanations for things, and not just come up with extreme cases like "What if you were eating dinner with the Queen?"

[American Mensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Makes a Mess is a hilarious book about a girl named Maya whose parents are always on her about her manners. They say things like "What if you were having dinner with the queen?" One night during dinner, she is whisked away to have dinner with the queen. The queen then adopts Maya's manners and loves it!

I think other kids would enjoy it because it is really funny and is written like a comic book.

My favorite part was when everyone at the queen's dinner started using bad manners and they realized it did make the food taste better. I think what makes this book so funny is parents often say "what if" statements to try and prove a point. This book shows how a "what if" statement turned out and it wasn't how the parents thought it would.

I think both boys and girls would like this book because parents get on both boys and girls to mind their manners. I think kids over the age of 7 would think it was the funniest.

Review by James L., age 8, Vermont Mensa

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Young readers will chortle at the hilarity of Maya, a girl with abysmal manners, showing the queen and other prestigious folks how to enjoy their food by not worrying so much about their table manners. It's all silly good fun, although highly unlikely, with Maya being wisked aboard a plane and flown to dinner with the queen. The illustrations even include corgis wandering about the rooms. Even I laughed at the sight of Maya consuming spaghetti covered with ketchup in her own inimitable but sloppy way.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really an easy comic book, not a graphic novel, but I've already tagged so many other easy comics as graphic novels so the tag is staying. I read this because I really enjoyed Exit Wounds (which is written for an adult audience). This was a comic book for beginning readers about table manners. I enjoyed the hypothetical situation. I almost wish it would have been longer, but next time I have a teacher collection about nutrition/eating, I'm totally putting it in. (It doesn't really cover nutrition, but could have some good tie-ins, or be a fun book that relates to eating).