Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert

by Stacy McAnulty, Deborah Hocking (Illustrator)

In this hilarious, tongue-in-cheek guide, kid-expert Max reveals everything you need to know about getting a new puppy.

Max knows a lot about puppies. After all, he's wanted one his whole life! So he's pretty much an expert. Grown-ups will warn Puppies are a lot of work. And they're right! Your puppy will need the perfect bed (which she'll never sleep in), the perfect toys (though she prefers playing with shoes and socks), and the perfect treats (she likes those, but she'll also have whatever you're eating). Dogs aren't good listeners like kids are, and they have a lot to learn. So you might have to take her to doggy school. (Her favorite part will probably be recess.) Yup, a puppy is a big responsiblity--but also a lot of fun, a lot of cute, a lot of cuddle, and a lot of love. Full of humor, energy, and warmth, Max Explains Puppy Expert is the perfect read aloud for animal lovers everywhere.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Humor, Juvenile, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2020

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

[Shaye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This month, the latest “Max Explains Everything” book has become a favorite for my six-year-old because it’s about PUPPIES!! She loves to read it before bedtime and she’s even made her own book patterned after this one (which she also has me read to her at bedtime). It’s especially great that children learn both the wonderful and the difficult parts of owning their own puppy. It’s a huge responsibility and loads of work, but so much fun. As always, the illustrations are just stinkin’ adorable. They were created with gouache and colored pencil on Arches watercolor paper, then digitally manipulated.

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

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably should have already read one of the Max books, in which Max explains something that he has become an expert at, in this case, owning a puppy. But, I haven't. This was a cute and fun way to learn alongside a boy what it really takes to be a puppy owner. We see the good and the bad. Kids should be able to relate to this if they have ever been through pet ownership and will learn something if they haven't. I need to seek out the others in this series.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max is an expert on so many things. In this book, he shares about puppies. He first takes readers through the process of getting a dog and then the steps to care for it after getting one. McAnulty offers a humorous look at this process to open dialogue about pet care for families. The illustrations are brightly colored and full of energy.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this might be a good 'writing prompt'.
In simple steps Max addresses wanting a puppy and the care and responsibility
of finally owning a puppy.
I love the illustration of Max cleaning up and thinking "We just went for a walk."

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max claims to be a puppy expert, he’s been wanting one forever. Just when he’s about to lose hope, his mom brings notices a pet adoption fair. Now Max realizes that puppies are a lot of work, but they are way more fun! Cute pics.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Lisa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one of the series so far! Loved it!

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorbs. Great for families welcoming (or thinking about welcoming) a new puppy into their lives.

[Elizabeth]

Max is so me: "I want this one. And this one. And this one. I want all seven."

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max wants a puppy and thinks he knows a lot about puppies. But Nana won't budge. So Max thinks of names for a puppy and list steps to reach his goal with his mother. Ultimately, Max learns puppies are a lot of work.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! And in a fun way, it realistically portrays the chaos AND happiness that a puppy can bring.

[Launna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not very meaty, but cute.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max finally gets the puppy he's been asking for and learns they are a whole lot of everything good and not so good.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I liked when he came up with a name for his puppy. The puppy was very pretty.” - Luke

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

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