Max and Mama

by Laura Numeroff, Masha Sudovykh (illustrator)

The special bond between a mother and son, and a fun-filled day from beginning to end.

Max and Mama are spending the day together! A delicious breakfast, a game of hide-and-seek, and a picnic at the park. But as they ride their bikes home, one of Max’s training wheels falls off—suddenly, this special day has a whole new adventure for Max and Mama to tackle!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Dogs, Childrens, Bicycles, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Joanna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Mama by Laura Numeroff is an adorable and heartfelt picture book that follows a young corgi named Max and his mama through a full day of adventures together. From pancake breakfasts to trips to the park, bike rides, and bedtime, the story captures the little moments between parent and child that end up feeling the most meaningful.

What makes the book especially charming is the way the corgis are illustrated with so much personality and warmth. Max feels energetic, curious, and playful, while Mama brings this calm, loving patience throughout the story. Their relationship feels genuine and comforting, especially for young readers who will recognize pieces of their own daily lives in the routines and activities they share.

One of my favorite parts is how the story quietly weaves in encouragement and confidence-building, particularly when Max faces a setback during a bike ride. The moment is handled with kindness and reassurance instead of turning overly dramatic, which makes it feel authentic and age-appropriate.

The artwork gives the entire book a cozy, cheerful energy, and the pacing makes it perfect for reading aloud. Sweet, playful, and full of heart, Max and Mama is a lovely celebration of family, everyday adventures, and the special bond between a mother and child.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about learning to ride a bike. I absolutely love that even though the dogs wear clothes and are anthropomorphized, they pretty much have Corgi proportions and stand as real Corgis would. They're short, stumpy, and adorable.

I think this would work well in a preschool or lower elementary school storytime.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO precious! When Max and his Mama go out for a bike ride, one of his training wheels falls off-- and with her encouragement, he might be able to ride without them! A super sweet family story with heartwarming illustrations.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet day-in-the-life story of a young boy and his mother's daily activities. Nothing special here.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked out from FW Library in TX

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corgis!