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Muddy Max: The Mystery of Marsh Creek
Every kid dreams of having super powers--Max discovers he really has them! But will he be able to solve the mystery behind Marsh Creek?
Max may be the cleanest middle-school kid in the world--his mysterious, neat-freak parents make certain of that. But when he finds himself face down in a murky puddle, muddy from head to toe, he makes a discovery any filthy child would envy: Mud gives him superpowers. With help from his tech-savvy friend Patrick and a spunky tomboy named Irie, Max uses his new abilities to uncover the secrets of mud-covered Marsh Creek--and maybe save a few lives in the process.
Max may be the cleanest middle-school kid in the world--his mysterious, neat-freak parents make certain of that. But when he finds himself face down in a murky puddle, muddy from head to toe, he makes a discovery any filthy child would envy: Mud gives him superpowers. With help from his tech-savvy friend Patrick and a spunky tomboy named Irie, Max uses his new abilities to uncover the secrets of mud-covered Marsh Creek--and maybe save a few lives in the process.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
17 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rusch
31 books73 followersELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 21, 2017
Great graphic novel. Kept my 8 year old's interest and he kept wanting to read more.
June 24, 2014
√ Good, Dirty Fun!
This is a wonderful, delightful book for kids about having a lot of fun with MUD. The story is funny, and I really loved the color artwork. We know we are in for a strange day when a "mud creature" taps on our window and beckons Max out. (At least, I think it's a mud creature.) Max's parents have a right to be concerned, and Max thinks they deploy a "Mud-o-Meter" to warn them when Max is close to mud. They warn Max about "not one speck of mud," and admonish him to even "avoid muddy lawns."
Well, in Part 1, "The Problem with Mud," you can guess what happens next, as Max and his friend do some investigating. But hey, just have your friend hose you down with the garden house, and your parents will be nary the wiser! New mud adventures are in story in Part 2, "The Marvels of Mud," and Part 3, "Stuck in the Mud." Fun graphics all around; it just seems like mud seems to be attracted to Max--even all over his head. When Max contracts a strange measles-like rash, he heads to the library for some internet research. That's where he and his buddy discover all the living organisms in the mud. My favorite was the note about "Animal Carcasses" and "Dung" in the mud. At that point, Max realizes what he's been doing, "Aagh... I had DUNG in my mouth?"
Well, you get the picture. Lots of fun messy adventures for Max and his friend. After Part 3 ends, with lots of mud on everyone, the fun really beings, starting with the section, "What's in the Mud?" It turns out, that the mud REALLY DOES have all those "interesting" things in, including earthworm poop! Wow, just what I was hoping for! There's also a variety of different insects, plus the added bonus of SLIME MOLDS--in a variety of flavors! Yea!
Seriously, these latter sections really are excellent, even if they do have slime molds. Besides the contents of the mud, we see,
Soil Close Up
Made Some Mud
Breathing and Creatures
About Antoni Gaudi
Make Your Own Mud House
Ancient and Modern Mud Houses
Mud Bricks
Get the Mud Out!
Age Your Face (your mom will love this one)
Reading Suggestion: On my Kindle, I lose the color, which would be a crying shame with these great graphics, so I recommend reading on a color tablet, or of course, a hard copy.
√ A lot of fun! The author, Elizabeth Rusch, and illustrator, Mike Lawrence, have really done a superb job in MUDDY MAX. This is one FUN book! I'm going to start building those mud bricks as soon as I got off work. Highly Recommend!
This is a wonderful, delightful book for kids about having a lot of fun with MUD. The story is funny, and I really loved the color artwork. We know we are in for a strange day when a "mud creature" taps on our window and beckons Max out. (At least, I think it's a mud creature.) Max's parents have a right to be concerned, and Max thinks they deploy a "Mud-o-Meter" to warn them when Max is close to mud. They warn Max about "not one speck of mud," and admonish him to even "avoid muddy lawns."
Well, in Part 1, "The Problem with Mud," you can guess what happens next, as Max and his friend do some investigating. But hey, just have your friend hose you down with the garden house, and your parents will be nary the wiser! New mud adventures are in story in Part 2, "The Marvels of Mud," and Part 3, "Stuck in the Mud." Fun graphics all around; it just seems like mud seems to be attracted to Max--even all over his head. When Max contracts a strange measles-like rash, he heads to the library for some internet research. That's where he and his buddy discover all the living organisms in the mud. My favorite was the note about "Animal Carcasses" and "Dung" in the mud. At that point, Max realizes what he's been doing, "Aagh... I had DUNG in my mouth?"
Well, you get the picture. Lots of fun messy adventures for Max and his friend. After Part 3 ends, with lots of mud on everyone, the fun really beings, starting with the section, "What's in the Mud?" It turns out, that the mud REALLY DOES have all those "interesting" things in, including earthworm poop! Wow, just what I was hoping for! There's also a variety of different insects, plus the added bonus of SLIME MOLDS--in a variety of flavors! Yea!
Seriously, these latter sections really are excellent, even if they do have slime molds. Besides the contents of the mud, we see,
Soil Close Up
Made Some Mud
Breathing and Creatures
About Antoni Gaudi
Make Your Own Mud House
Ancient and Modern Mud Houses
Mud Bricks
Get the Mud Out!
Age Your Face (your mom will love this one)
Reading Suggestion: On my Kindle, I lose the color, which would be a crying shame with these great graphics, so I recommend reading on a color tablet, or of course, a hard copy.
√ A lot of fun! The author, Elizabeth Rusch, and illustrator, Mike Lawrence, have really done a superb job in MUDDY MAX. This is one FUN book! I'm going to start building those mud bricks as soon as I got off work. Highly Recommend!
March 2, 2019
I read this book on the recommendation of my 11 year old. I got the most enjoyment out of seeing the mystery unfold for him.
January 13, 2023
I honestly love the book so much! I still can't get over that Max has muddy powers and the ending! I'm so happy that Max found his brother Milo and got him out of the mud
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2014
A children's mystery story involving a boy who is being bullied, a friend he is trying to protect and lots of mud - put them all together and you have a great story! Having parents who are super keen on keeping their son clean is really frustrating for the boy in question, Max. He finds that mud actually gives him super powers and sets off, with the aid of his best friend, Patrick, to try to use these - without his parents finding out he has ever got muddy! The comic book style story tells the tales of their adventures, an amazing secret they uncover and how the two boys work together to solve the problem Max's parents have been trying unsuccessfully to solve for years. This book will appeal to children and could be particularly useful encouraging more reluctant male readers to actually want to read.
December 1, 2015
Muddy Max – The Mystery of Marsh Creek by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Mike Lawrence – Graphic Novel – This is a quick, interesting graphic novel about a boy who grows up with parents who insist on him avoiding all mud, in a muddy community. He comes to an age where this limit frustrates him and he rebels… and finds out the mud gives him curious super powers. He starts unraveling secrets and a mysterious family history that is quite fun to follow as a reader. Very exciting that this is a local Oregon author. Also appreciate that this book has won some awards too!
December 3, 2019
I’m surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down! Great characters, awesome science/scientific method (but it didn’t overwhelm the story), and cool facts about mud and soil. There are a bunch of experiments to try at the end.
Cons: It amped up the tension, but it was really frustrating that his parents would never give him a reason for staying away from the mud. I also didn’t like how much he blatantly disobeyed his parents, even though I get why he did. And there is some body humor like farts/butts.
I hope there is another book coming!!!
Cons: It amped up the tension, but it was really frustrating that his parents would never give him a reason for staying away from the mud. I also didn’t like how much he blatantly disobeyed his parents, even though I get why he did. And there is some body humor like farts/butts.
I hope there is another book coming!!!
January 11, 2022
I got this for my 7 and 10 year old sons, who like mysteries and graphic novels. After flipping through, I decided to read it first myself to preview it. There turned out to be nothing too creepy about it, but it did have a little eerie feeling to it. I enjoyed it but decided not to pass it on to my boys.
May 27, 2018
Cute graphic novel about hidden superpowers (literally) and although the drawings are less exciting than most graphic novels since the color palette is mostly brown, I think the story will hold kids’ interest. I also like that there is nothing questionable in the story line for younger readers :)
July 15, 2017
I really liked this mystery/adventure. It will have broad appeal among our graphic novel readers, and specifically I think fans of the Rust series might enjoy it, as well as fans of Mighty Jack.
May 19, 2018
Wonderful! I would love to see a sequel!
May 27, 2018
Fun graphic novel that 2nd-5th graders will like AND actual be able to follow and read.
3.5
3.5
July 3, 2018
An enjoyable mystery graphic novel for middle grades. Super power from mud! Problem solving! Friendship! Not giving up!
I thought the coloring and illystrations were perfect for the story.
I thought the coloring and illystrations were perfect for the story.
Read
October 30, 2019Cant wait for the next book!
November 20, 2019
I love the brotherly muddy bond between them ❤️
I can’t wait to see volume 2 and see what happens next 😆
I can’t wait to see volume 2 and see what happens next 😆
December 22, 2019
it has an interesting plot line and a lot of twists throughout the book overall it is a great book.
Read
April 20, 2021it is an amazing book, I think that a lot of other people should be reading this.
September 13, 2024
Really good story, not predictable, great illustrations. Can't wait to read more!
November 8, 2024
It’s nice
July 31, 2025
DNF, read 50%
October 20, 2020
3.75⭐️
Max’s scientist parents freak out at any sight of mud, and have raised Max to never EVER get mud on himself. This proves to be a near impossible instruction as their town is a literal mud-pit.
After years of feeling left out of all the fun of playing in mud with his friends, Max decides to get muddy and see what happens....
And what happens is something no one could’ve predicted...
Max’s scientist parents freak out at any sight of mud, and have raised Max to never EVER get mud on himself. This proves to be a near impossible instruction as their town is a literal mud-pit.
After years of feeling left out of all the fun of playing in mud with his friends, Max decides to get muddy and see what happens....
And what happens is something no one could’ve predicted...
February 27, 2015
There is something rotten in Marsh Creek. It's the muddiest town in the world, but Max is never allowed to get dirty or else his neat-freak parents FLIP OUT and won't tell him why. When Max finally does get down in the mud, he discovers that the mud gives him superpowers. Using his powers, Max will unlock the secrets of Marsh Creek.
This is not the book for me, but I think it could appeal to kids who really like to get dirty. I just did not find the brown-toned illustrations very appealing and it grossed me out a little bit. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me why Max's parents would not give him ANY explanation for why he has to stay spotless in a town full of mud.
Science info and activities are included in the back, making this an appropriate STEM tie-in. And the gross-out factor may be a stroke in its favor for kids who DIG that kinda thing (see what I did there?).
This is not the book for me, but I think it could appeal to kids who really like to get dirty. I just did not find the brown-toned illustrations very appealing and it grossed me out a little bit. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me why Max's parents would not give him ANY explanation for why he has to stay spotless in a town full of mud.
Science info and activities are included in the back, making this an appropriate STEM tie-in. And the gross-out factor may be a stroke in its favor for kids who DIG that kinda thing (see what I did there?).
March 28, 2015
This is pretty far-fetched with some lame-brain parents whose actions would have had social services all over them, however!, putting reasonable belief aside it's all good clean fun. Well, muddy, dirty fun LOL. The kids are smarter than the parents, even though they are scientists, but the antics of finding out you are a mud-creature superhero will have kids turning the pages. The art is clear and cartoony, all done in browns. Along with the superpowers of strength, there are themes of bullies, friendship and siblings that make this an entertaining read for all ages.
October 20, 2015
Okay graphic novel that I'm sure 4th-6th graders will appreciate a lot more than I did. The one thing that always gets me about graphic novels are the transitions. I feel like there are always these strange gaps, and I also felt like this one just ended. It needed something more. I'll continue to keep an open mind, and I see the importance of them in literature so I'll continue to read them, but they still aren't my cup of tea.
September 15, 2014
2.5 stars.
Pretty good and imaginative story. The mystery about why Max had to stay out of mud and the discovery of an older brother was good. A bit of science thrown concerning what makes up mud. The artwork isn't anything extraordinary and is appropriately colored browns, black and white. All together, it didn't appeal a great deal to me, but I can see 5th-6th grade boys liking this book.
Pretty good and imaginative story. The mystery about why Max had to stay out of mud and the discovery of an older brother was good. A bit of science thrown concerning what makes up mud. The artwork isn't anything extraordinary and is appropriately colored browns, black and white. All together, it didn't appeal a great deal to me, but I can see 5th-6th grade boys liking this book.
January 24, 2015
This is a great story about superpowers, secrets, and family. And mud. Lots of mud. In addition to the excellent story, there is also a section at the end of the book with information about mud (complete with references!) and suggested activities, from observing different types of mud in different conditions to building a daub and wattle house.
January 5, 2017
I liked it and the boys liked it a lot. We read it together and then they each read it on their own as well.
I wasn't as impressed with the parents though and them keeping Milo hidden away like that. I get it for the story's sake and that Max had to find out for himself but I feel like maybe they could have trusted him more and maybe he would have been able to help sooner.
I wasn't as impressed with the parents though and them keeping Milo hidden away like that. I get it for the story's sake and that Max had to find out for himself but I feel like maybe they could have trusted him more and maybe he would have been able to help sooner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2016
This book is good. I like the way Max had powers. I didn't like when the big brother Milo did not want max to help him. Max has powers where other character make mussels he will get stronger. Kids that like super heroes
July 31, 2014
Note: Uncorrected Proof from ALA Annual 2014
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews