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Maxie
A woman who lives alone with her cat and parakeet discovers the entire neighborhood depends on her
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
33 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1970
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2017
A solitary old woman living in an apartment follows a strict routine until she starts asking herself why she even bothers. When she fails to get out of bed one day, her neighbors all become concerned and investigate.
Illustrations by Emily A. McCully, who I suspect is the same person as Emily Arnold McCully.
This is a realistic portrayal of the loneliness and isolation that often afflict retired or homebound individuals who don't have family or hobbies to give meaning to their days. When Maxie's neighbors realize how she feels, they make an effort to connect with her. And that's nice! But I did think Maxie could have made an effort, too. She did not try to make friends, or find activities that would interest her.
My first "real" (i.e. non-babysitting) job at 14 was helping seniors in their homes. Those folks were much worse off than Maxie. Maxie seems mentally sound and is able to go out on her own if she wants to. The people I assisted were trapped, often unable to get out even with help. Frances, for instance -- the widow of a WWII veteran, no family, only her long-dead husband's meager pension to live on. She lived in a tiny, decrepit flat, above a video rental. The stairs were narrow and rickety, and she couldn't move without a walker, which meant she couldn't leave the apartment. Ever. In the year I knew her the only time she left was when the EMTs took her away on a stretcher to die in the hospital. The rest of the time... I don't know what she did. She had an old cat, and a fern in a hanging pot. An ancient radio, maybe she listened to that all day. Her stove was the old gas type where you have to open the bottom and light the pilot before you can turn it on, so she couldn't cook. I came once a week to clean and water the fern and get groceries (cat food and whatever else I could get for $5), and then cooked things and put them in the fridge for her to live on during the week. There was no microwave so I guess she ate them cold. Did she really like pies or did she just ask for them because they're good cold? It's two decades too late for me to ask her, or to find out if anyone took care of her cat.
See, Maxie, things could be a lot worse! Stop being such a grump and smile at your neighbors. Frances didn't even have neighbors. And what's with lying down to die when you have a cat depending on you? That's the problem with old people these days, no sense or responsibility, no initiative...
Illustrations by Emily A. McCully, who I suspect is the same person as Emily Arnold McCully.
This is a realistic portrayal of the loneliness and isolation that often afflict retired or homebound individuals who don't have family or hobbies to give meaning to their days. When Maxie's neighbors realize how she feels, they make an effort to connect with her. And that's nice! But I did think Maxie could have made an effort, too. She did not try to make friends, or find activities that would interest her.
My first "real" (i.e. non-babysitting) job at 14 was helping seniors in their homes. Those folks were much worse off than Maxie. Maxie seems mentally sound and is able to go out on her own if she wants to. The people I assisted were trapped, often unable to get out even with help. Frances, for instance -- the widow of a WWII veteran, no family, only her long-dead husband's meager pension to live on. She lived in a tiny, decrepit flat, above a video rental. The stairs were narrow and rickety, and she couldn't move without a walker, which meant she couldn't leave the apartment. Ever. In the year I knew her the only time she left was when the EMTs took her away on a stretcher to die in the hospital. The rest of the time... I don't know what she did. She had an old cat, and a fern in a hanging pot. An ancient radio, maybe she listened to that all day. Her stove was the old gas type where you have to open the bottom and light the pilot before you can turn it on, so she couldn't cook. I came once a week to clean and water the fern and get groceries (cat food and whatever else I could get for $5), and then cooked things and put them in the fridge for her to live on during the week. There was no microwave so I guess she ate them cold. Did she really like pies or did she just ask for them because they're good cold? It's two decades too late for me to ask her, or to find out if anyone took care of her cat.
See, Maxie, things could be a lot worse! Stop being such a grump and smile at your neighbors. Frances didn't even have neighbors. And what's with lying down to die when you have a cat depending on you? That's the problem with old people these days, no sense or responsibility, no initiative...
October 18, 2020
Yes, the isolation and uneventful routine contribute to Maxie's depression, but I think we're mixing cause and effect. Moreover, being needed is insufficient... she also needs, and deserves, friendship, and I hope these neighbors drop in for a chat or a game of cards at least weekly.
(And yes, I do know whereof I speak, and no, I don't want to explain.)
(And yes, I do know whereof I speak, and no, I don't want to explain.)
January 1, 2020
Love this book from my childhood. I interpret it as addressing depression in the elderly. Maxie feels that her life is monotonous, lonely and boring. Only when she realizes how many people her existence affects on a daily basis does she start feeling better about herself.
December 18, 2023
Love this perfect condition kid’s book from 1970 I found in a little library near our house . Great story of how we are all literally connected in a neighborhood. Love the main character was allowed to be in her housecoat and slippers the entire story lol
February 24, 2018
another favorite children's bok
June 8, 2020
One of my favorites as a child. Still have it.
December 2, 2023
This is a worthy story, but it's probably a little gloomy for a young child.
August 30, 2011
A favorite from my childhood.
May 18, 2014
a wonderful picture book about the importance of the individual and the neighborhood
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews