Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert

Max Explains Everything #1

by Stacy McAnulty, Deborah Hocking (Illustrator)

Max's hilarious guide to the grocery store turns an everyday errand into an adventure.

Max knows everything about trips to the grocery store because his parents make him go All. The. Time. Even when they run out of little things . . . like toilet paper. So he's pretty much an expert. Whether it's choosing the right breakfast cereal or surviving the obstacle course that is the produce section, Max is here to help. Having trouble talking mom into finally getting that puppy she promised? Picking up a bag of dog food might just be the push she needs! And always remember to keep your eyes on the prize--the checkout lane is your last chance to grab the real essentials. Candy! Full of humor and "helpful" tips, Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert is the first in a delightful new picture book series starring kid-expert Max!

"The single greatest breakdown of grocery store shopping you'll find." --Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production

* "A fun romp around the grocery store that kids will relate to and a wonderful read-aloud." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Humor, Childrens, Fiction, Family, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Maxwell Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this book has to get 5 stars because my name is in the title. Well, technically my name is Maxwell, but I mostly go by Just Max. It’s a story about a boy named Max who is at the supermarket and wants to buy everything he’s not allowed to have. Reliastic story telling at its best, can relate. My mum was reading it to me while my dad was at the supermarket. How’s that for some supermarket inception? There a page that says “It’s Boys Named Max Day. We need doughnuts.” I looked up at mum, smiled, and said she should text dad as a prank. So she texted him exactly that “It’s Boys Named Max Day. We need doughnuts.”. No context given. No context asked. He came home with doughnuts! Now, I couldn’t eat them of course. I’m saving my first taste of sugar for my first birthday cake in two weeks. But the look of happiness on mum and dads faces was worth it. What else would you want on a day named after you?

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first of a new picture-book series about the adventures of Max, boy expert in everything, this entertaining slice-of-life tale follows Max as he and his mother head to the grocery story. With helpful tips on everything from arguing for cookies (not always successfully) to offering some hints to one's parents about getting a pet (just add some cat litter to the cart!), the breezy tale concludes that practice makes perfect, in being a good grocery shopper...

I found Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert surprisingly engaging, and would imagine that young readers/listeners will likewise enjoy the back and forth between Max and his mom, as they make their way through the store. Dialogue-driven picture-books often are quite successful at story-time, and make for good read-alouds. The artwork by Deborah Hocking is colorful and fun, and accentuates the humor. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books exploring the everyday (or every week) activities in which kids often participate.

[Ardith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! It shows lots of things you shouldn't do at the grocery store, which I see from the reviews is upsetting to a lot of parents, but I think it's a great way to have a discussion about what not to do. You could read the page and then say, "That's silly, isn't it?" and talk what to do instead. It's a good way to have a conversation while reading something that is fun, which will be much more meaningful than just reading a book about a perfectly bland trip to the store. Highly recommended!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointing! This kid is an expert on self-indulgence, not skillful choices. There are so many important lessons Max could be teaching kids about the heroic task of grocery shopping, such as how to identify locally grown produce, avoid processed foods, find meat and dairy alternatives, and choose environmentally friendly paper and cleaning products. But no. It’s all about sugary cereal, cookies, and candy in this salute to the grocery industry.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max has a delightful confidence in everything he does, providing silly problem solving skills and insightful pro-tips. For the grocery store, Max knows everything about getting the most out of the trip because he goes All. The. Time. Throughout his excursion, Max has a lot of suggested purchases (all sugary) but is always shot down by his mom. Miraculously, there are no tantrums, adding to his charm. In the end, he does get to share a chocolate bar at home with his mom.

A diagram of the store, speech bubbles, and Max's antics and confident attitude throughout the store make this a delight to read. Illustrator Hocking also incorporates some of the words into the illustrations, adding a nice touch. Can't wait for the second installment in this series!

Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Shaye Miller]

I've read this series out of order since I originally started with book #2 (Soccer Expert). But you can't go wrong starting with ANY of these books since they're not dependent on one another. Max is an expert in a variety of areas and he's eager to share all that he's learned. I love Max's "helpful" tips about grocery stores and all the humor spread throughout the pages. Max even has a map with a version of HIS preferred route (straight to the cookies) vs. his mom's preferred route. With this handy book, any child is sure to survive even the more boring of trips to pick up groceries! ;) The illustrations were created with gouache and colored pencil. 

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Krysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book seems more appropriate for adult readers than for children as I am not sure that child readers will understand the irony. The humor relies on adults seeing typical grocery store child behavior (wanting to buy sugary cereal, trying all the free samples, sneaking a candy bar onto the belt) and laughing because 1) it's so typical and 2) the kid usually doesn't get what he wants, even though his guide is supposed to tell children how to circumvent parental authority. Will children laugh at themselves? Probably not because I suspect they take their desire for the yummy cereal very seriously and don't see what's so funny about not wanting to eat Healthy O's.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps this is "hilarious" to those who don't have to deal with kids being allowed to run amok in the grocery store, but it doesn't tickle my funny bone one bit. Especially the part where Max is riding on the front of the cart. Mom manages to say "no" to Max on everything else, but she can't say "no" on that.

It's a pity because we always need books about "community," and we always need some nice books about real kids doing real things. Unfortunately Anne Rockwell's "At the Supermarket" is OP as a hardcover, but an updated board book version was published in 2015. Grab that one instead.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not want Max to come to the grocery store with me.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book to read with my 4 and 5 yos. Takes a regular part of life and reflects on it with humor. Because toilet paper is always funny...😁

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cereal! The fate of breakfast is in your hands.”

Max has a lot of helpful advice for those who have to go to the grocery store with their parents (if faking an injury doesn’t get you out of going.) For example, always pay attention for the free samples. “Everything tastes better when served on a toothpick.” Hitch a ride on the cart if you get tired. And grab all your favorite cookies. During checkout, hide candy amongst the other items on the conveyor belt.

Cute story with fun illustrations. Students will be able to relate to Max.

[molliekay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not thrilled about how it's Mom's job to always keep track of the shopping (unless Mom is single, then forget what I just said). What really gets me is how Max is always trying to sneak something past his mother, setting a bad example for younger children. It's hard enough to take my kid shopping, let alone letting her know she can put stuff in the cart and I won't notice!

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful kid's-eye view of going to the grocery store. It made me laugh.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really didn't "grab me" though the twist at the end is a bit amusing

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny book about grocery shopping. Max explains all his grocery store tricks. Kids who have to tag along on grocery shopping trips will likely relate to this book!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth about how to rate this one and what to say. There are many great qualities about this book. It is funny. There's no doubt about that. Kids will laugh out loud if you read this aloud. The author has nailed a childlike voice. It touches on a subject we all know well. The illustrations are fabulous. I think the wall of cereal is my favorite but there are lots of fun touches throughout the book. So if you want to know if kids will enjoy this - then yes. Five stars. Four at least. They will really like it. As a parent however I cringed like every other page. Max is walking your kiddo through how to make the grocery store extra annoying for every parent out there. Some of his antics I didn't mind, but his constant encouragement to sneak, whine, and argue his way into sweets was hard for me to ignore. It is absolutely honest and what every child does, but I don't know that it needs to be encouraged. So - kids, yes, will love this. And that is who this was written for - I get that. But my kids should know that if they sneak a candy bar onto the belt at the end of our trip we will not be cheerfully sharing it once we get home. Mama is going to be eating that candy bar all by herself.

[Lagobond · Rating 3 out of 5]

My inner child gets a kick out of Max, who clearly is quite the expert in grocery shopping ;) and who has his own rather quirky ideas about how things should work! For example: kids should not have to go to boooooring supermarkets, however if they're going to be dragged there anyway by their moms, then obviously they should get all the sugary treats and perhaps a new pet, to boot.

The part of me that is all boringly grown-up generally tries not to provide other people's children with books that will get them in trouble ;) I also don't like to reinforce the idea that non-sugary foods are unworthy, grocery stores are playgrounds, and endless begging gets you a reward. Therefore I would not recommend this to my young reading buddies. If you're planning on reading this with your kid, consider yourself warned! It sure is a funny book though, and quite cleverly written. The illustrations are endearing and immersive. An entertaining book, as long as you don't mind the message (or are willing to have an edifying conversation with your child).

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age: Preschool-1st grade

Max has a delightful confidence in everything he does, providing silly problem solving skills and insightful pro-tips. For the grocery store, Max knows everything about getting the most out of the trip because he goes All. The. Time. Throughout his excursion, Max has a lot of (sweet) suggested purchases but is always shot down by his mom. Miraculously, there are no tantrums, adding to his charm. In the end, he does get to share a chocolate bar at home with his mom.

A diagram of the store, speech bubbles, and Max's antics and confident attitude throughout the store make this a delight to read. Illustrator Hocking also incorporates some of the words into the illustrations, adding a nice touch. Can't wait for the second installment in this series!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! I don't get the people who expect the book to be a progressive discourse on grocery shopping and food. Lighten up!
It's pretty obvious that Max realizes that just about everything he is doing is wrong. The book is not telling kids to juggle the produce. I like the fact that his mom does give in to sharing a candy bar, part of their routine. While there were times I truly dreaded going to the store with my kids, I still have some fond memories of time spent with them, even saying "no" to items strategically placed at just their level as they rode in the cart.
It would be fun to have students share their own grocery shopping experiences, although some of them may describe online shopping!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children make great experts about... being children.

Sure, I'll give this book FIVE STARS, as a kind of spoof on obnoxious behavior, how to manipulate parents, clueless glee over making poor nutritional choices, and the supreme confidence of the truly ignorant.

OTHERWISE?

Grownups, please giggle over ths book -- or grind your teeth -- when kids aren't present.

If you read them this book, YOU may have to live with the ugly consequences. Remember, kids are like sponges. Many of them will gladly copy any kind of foolishness presented to them in a book with fun pictures.

WARNING: Kids are, by definition, immature. Their idea of good advice is seldom useful or helpful or practical. Max explains everything unhelpful about shopping at a grocery store.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and funny for an adult, but it's a great teaching tool for kids to show them all those annoying things to do in a grocery store that you don't want your kids to learn. If your kid doesn't do this annoying whiny things in the supermarket, this will sure put some ideas in their heads.

The artwork is gouache and colored pencils and digitally touched up.

Some kids hate the grocery store and some love it, but most turn into little beggars while there. It's difficult to stand.

Kids will probably enjoy this modern comedy.

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

When they run out of toilet paper, Max's mom decides it's time to go to the grocery store. Max gives all kinds of kid-friendly advice on how to first avoid the trip as long as possible, then make the most of it once you are there. Includes a lot of begging and making excuses, so if you don't want to encourage that sort of behavior, skip this one. Kind of funny, but probably too real for some families.

[Ryann Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary realistic fiction
Grade:K-2
I like how this book take some the scary challenge of young kids going to the grocery store. I like how it could be relatable to students. I love how the words go across the page in the illustrations. I also love how the main character is giving the reader advice on how to go to the grocery store. I think it is simple enough that beginning readers may be able to read it by theirselves. However it would also make a good read aloud.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max gives the reader the lowdown on how to have the perfect trip to the grocery store.
It is very funny and mischievous. The mischievous part makes me giggle but I wouldn't read it at a storytime because it is full of naughty suggestions. Luckily Max's Mom almost always catches him being a rascal.

[linnybee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book... Until to my horror I realized it was teaching my sweet 2.5 year old how to be a terror in the store. Yuck.
As someone who worked retail for many years and now is a mom of littles, don't get this book.
I started making up my own words halfway through and we won't give it a reread. Thankfully it's a library book!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max pretends to hate trips to the grocery store - but the reader finds out he actually loves them. He recommends the perfect kind of grocery cart, chats with lobsters, shares persuasive tactics he uses with his Mom and leads us through all the important sections of the grocery store. Kids will love the dialogue, Max's determination and the great illustrations!

[JoEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Stacy McAnulty’s work. This reads like a HOW TO with tips and tons of voice. Great mentor text for young readers and writers. Lots to explore in terms of illustration studies and techniques too.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always looking for a good "all around the town" book for storytime and this one might work if I don't read every word on every page. Unfortunately, the book is written at a higher level than the audience who actually might enjoy reading about the grocery store!

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max explains all there is to know about trips to the grocery store, and grocery shopping. Grab your list, and your cart, and see how Max makes the routine a fun filled adventure as he provides tips on how to shop with your parents, and score a treat when the shopping is complete.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it more than Max explaining soccer, but this is still not a book I'd read to my kiddo. I'd have to stop every two seconds to say "yeah, but don't actually do that," and it would just plant ideas in her head that she hasn't yet thought of.