Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Max and Marla #1

맥스와 말라의 썰매 타기

Rate this book
Korean edition of MAX AND MARLA by Alexandra Boiger. Max and Marla, the owl, are the best friends and winter Olympians. They illuminate how persistence is needed to overcome the many obstacles one has to face and friendship is most important. Fun is had by all! In Korean. Annotation copyright Tsai Fong Books, Inc. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

36 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2015

1 person is currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra Boiger

83 books30 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
78 (18%)
4 stars
161 (38%)
3 stars
153 (36%)
2 stars
21 (5%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail.
8,006 reviews265 followers
January 9, 2022
Best friends Max and Marla are determined sledders in this engaging winter-time picture-book from author/artist Alexandra Boiger. Although they encounter numerous challenges, from rusty sled blades to colds, they persevere, turning obstacles into victories like true Olympic champions.

I have enjoyed Alexandra Boiger's artwork in Marilyn Singer's Tallulah books, about a young would-be ballerina, so I was excited to pick up Max and Marla, her debut as both author and illustrator. The narrative here is engaging enough, spinning a tale of friendship and passion for sledding, but it is the artwork that really spoke to me. I enjoy winter scenes, so it stands to reason that I'd like the visuals here, but Boiger's watercolor artwork just has a certain insouciant charm to it, that I find very appealing. Marla, Max's owl friend, is particularly cute! Recommended to anyone looking for fun winter-time stories, or picture-books addressing the themes of friendship and perseverance.
2,828 reviews
August 8, 2017
I loved this book. Max's optimism is so encouraging and the fact that Marla doesn't speak is so refreshing.
Profile Image for Kris (My Novelesque Life).
4,693 reviews209 followers
January 27, 2016
MAX AND MARLA
Written and Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
2015, 32 Pages
Genre: picture book, children's

★★★★1/2

Max and his owl, Marla are determined to be Olympians and they prep their sled and go out to practice. When they fail they brush themselves off and go back to the drawing board and get ready to go out again.

Yes, I am owl obsessed but OMG what adorable pictures of Marla and Max! I really enjoyed this cute story with a big message. We are so focuses on making children feel special and unique that we seem to be building them up for failure. Yet, if we prep them for failure and how to keep going when things don't work out we send a greater message and prepare them for more (in my opinion). I love how Max does not give up when things go wrong. BUT love how this does not get him down at all. He's disappointed but is quick to move on. I recommend this book to everyone. It is a feel good story that will cause anyone to have a better day!

(My Novelesque Life)

My Novelesque Life
717 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2024
Apparently the author has eavesdropped into my childhood with my brother. We were "real-life honest to goodness, cross your heart, ... Olympians."

Lessons learned:
Preparation is key (and modifications are perfectly fine too).
Technical difficulties are a fact of life. Tend to them and never give up.
Teamwork...sometimes our roles are different, but how great it is being on the same team.
Never give up (and intermissions of taking care of yourself is part of the process).
VICTORY! --- If you ever doubted you'd get there, this book will remind you what you really knew from the start: You are a "real-life honest to goodness, cross your heart ...Olympian"! YOU GOT THIS!
Profile Image for Becky.
104 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2015
Max and Marla are true Olympians. They take careful, meticulous steps to make sure everything is in order each time they practice. No matter what, they persevere... evening if persevering means taking a sick day and trying again tomorrow!

Loved this one! Great lessons about not rushing through things, taking the time to care for your things-- and yourself, and turning obstacles into victories. Plus, the digitally enhanced ink and watercolor illustrations are adorable.
Profile Image for Mary.
3,631 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2021
Inspired by the Winter Olympics, Max and his owl, Marla, are determined to do some serious sledding. However, it is not as easy as it looks, but they are determined and persistent. The visual humor with the gentle message that "Obstacles are turned into victories" make this a fun winter story to share.
706 reviews
November 9, 2015
A simple picture book about a girl and an owl who are aspiring to be Winter Olympians. Good especially with a limit of Olympic-themed picture books. Simple text and pictures but some complicated/ implied meanings.
Profile Image for Yolanda.
200 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2015
Love the illustrations and the persistance of the characters. Learning from what they did and trying to make is better.
Profile Image for Heydi Smith.
3,198 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2018
A fantastic tale about determination and perseverance. A young one and a pet owl try time and again to go sledding, each time facing a new obstacle and overcoming it.

I would use this in a snow, sled, owl, or determination storytime. I wouldn’t say it would be my first choice but it’s pretty cute.
Profile Image for Kris Dersch.
2,371 reviews24 followers
November 22, 2019
There are plenty of picture book odd couples, and Max and Marla definitely have a place among them. I love this pairing. I love that Marla (an owl) turns on the light to sleep when she's supposed to be helping. I love that she doesn't talk but is all personality. A great wintertime story for anyone who has ever had a best friend.
Profile Image for Katie.
986 reviews
January 18, 2018
Very cute picture book. Good one to recommend for people interested in books about the Olympics. Probably a tricky one for storytime because there are a lot of smaller illustrations where the progression of time and activity is implied.
Profile Image for Lucia.
503 reviews14 followers
February 22, 2018
The illustrations are delightful as Max and Marla, boy and owl, become olympic sledders. Simple text but rich pictures make for good conversations. thank you Alexander Boiger.

It crossed my path at the perfect time, with the Winter Olympics going on right now. Love it!
Profile Image for Anastasia Tuckness.
1,627 reviews18 followers
May 5, 2020
Max and Marla are determined to be Winter Olympics champions, and nothing will get in their way--not cold, not sickness, not failed attempts, not the fact that Marla is an owl. I loved poring over their quiet adventures!
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,256 reviews31 followers
April 27, 2023
Max and Marla are best of friends, and together they both plan to become Winter Olympians. It will take a lot of training ,preparation and team work in order for hem to meet the challenges before them and become successful in their endeavors. Friendship and teamwork gives Max and Marla the edge.
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
392 reviews
December 2, 2018
This would be a great read during the winter olympics!
Profile Image for Jordan Balsamo.
90 reviews
March 12, 2019
Inspiring, myself and my younger son use the language of this book as encouragement for all kinds of things. "we are true Olympians"
Profile Image for Emma.
725 reviews
February 11, 2021
Where does one find a Marla? I think my life would infinitely improve if I had a Marla, too. Absolute perfection.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,699 reviews
March 5, 2022
I can't put my finger on why this one felt so bland to me. The art is cute, but the story completely lacks tension and shape.
Profile Image for Erin Stucker.
Author 2 books
April 28, 2023
A sweet read with beautiful illustrations! My kids love this one, and the story allows for questions about the illustrations, making this an engaging, collaborative read.
Profile Image for Molly.
3,352 reviews
August 16, 2024
Max and Marla are working very hard to become true Olympians as they work on becoming great sledders. A cute story about perserverance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.