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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.