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Max
Max and Bird
The companion to the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Max the Brave! When Max meets Bird, Max thinks he'd like to be friends with Bird. He would also like to chase Bird and maybe eat him as a tasty snack. But that's not what friendship is all about…is it? With the same loveable character and bright, graphic illustrations as Max the Brave, Max and Bird is sure to delight young readers and adults alike. Praise for Max the "A cat-and-mouse game to be laughed at and reread." ―Kirkus "Full of playful humor...enhanced by the humorous text, character expressions, and a not-scary monster to boot. VERDICT Highly recommended." ―School Library Journal "Both the punchy text and illustrations command attention, and plenty of readers will get a kick out of feeling superior to Max" ―Publishers Weekly
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Ed Vere
50 books70 followersEd Vere is a British writer and illustrator of children's books. He won the Highland Children's Book Award in 2007 for his book, The Getaway and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal for children's book illustration, recognizing his 2008 picture book Banana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 14, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in excharge for an honest review.
"Max is a kitten. Kittens chase birds.
Bird is a bird. Birds get chased by kittens."
This is a book about frindship. Max has to teach Bird how to fly, so he can eat Bird. The plot is really simple and so are the illustrations. But it works! I enjoyed it a lot. It was a simple and quick read.
Max and Bird is the third book in the Max series.
"Max is a kitten. Kittens chase birds.
Bird is a bird. Birds get chased by kittens."
This is a book about frindship. Max has to teach Bird how to fly, so he can eat Bird. The plot is really simple and so are the illustrations. But it works! I enjoyed it a lot. It was a simple and quick read.
Max and Bird is the third book in the Max series.
July 24, 2017
Max is a kitten who does what kittens do. He wants to chase birds. When he meets Bird, he asks him to be his friend, then he tells him he wants to chase him and eat him. Bird tries to explain that friends do not do that. Kitten does not understand so Bird makes him a deal. If Kitten teaches him to fly, then he can chase him. As they research flying and try to learn, they develop a real friendship helping one another. This book is about making friends. It shows that working together and encouraging one another, helps to make them real friends. It is a cute story with simple and cute illustrations. A great book for families, classrooms, schools and public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book via Netgalley.
July 6, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
Bird and Max want to be friends but Max, being a cat supposed to chase and eat birds. Bird and Max decide that if Bird can teach Max to fly, he won't' chase and eat him. They visit the library (my favorite part) to find books on flying, but Cat still can't fly. Will the two friends be able to continue you their friendship or will Max eat bird?
Bird and Max want to be friends but Max, being a cat supposed to chase and eat birds. Bird and Max decide that if Bird can teach Max to fly, he won't' chase and eat him. They visit the library (my favorite part) to find books on flying, but Cat still can't fly. Will the two friends be able to continue you their friendship or will Max eat bird?
November 30, 2017
Cute story about friendship. The illustrations are striking.
May 27, 2021
Max and Bird know that kittens chase birds, and can eat them as well. But Max and Bird have just become friends and are wondering if that is a friendly thing to do. And when Bird needs help learning how to fly, together they discover a way to celebrate their friendship that is much more fun.
From an amazing Ed Vere, we have another funny, and heartwarming story about discovering a true meaning of friendship
From an amazing Ed Vere, we have another funny, and heartwarming story about discovering a true meaning of friendship
May 26, 2017
Max is a kitten who wants to make friends with Bird... but he doesn't exactly seem to understand what friendship means at first. But as the two research how to fly, Max seems to start to realize what friendship is truly about.
The lesson about making friends, specifically helping them out and providing encouragement, is solid, but not in the way that you'll get tired of reading it. Even without the message taken into account, it's still a fun story with cute character.
The illustrations are very bold and eye-catching in a pop-artsy style that I loved, and I'll have to check out the rest of the Max series to see what else wide-eyes Max is up to.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
The lesson about making friends, specifically helping them out and providing encouragement, is solid, but not in the way that you'll get tired of reading it. Even without the message taken into account, it's still a fun story with cute character.
The illustrations are very bold and eye-catching in a pop-artsy style that I loved, and I'll have to check out the rest of the Max series to see what else wide-eyes Max is up to.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
June 6, 2017
This book seems quite unlike other children's books in that the illustrations are much more simple and brightly-coloured, as opposed to the intricate illustrations I am used to seeing. However, in the case of Max and Bird, I think this really works! The simplicity allows the focus on the story, a charming tale of Max that initially wants to eat bird, until he learns what friendship is. A lovely tale about friendship which sends a great messages to kids. I'll be looking out for more Max tales!
June 9, 2017
As if Max wasn't cute enough on his own, he is accompanied by a ridiculously adorable birdie in this adventure, as they develop an unlikely friendship.
Oh, and there are pearls of wisdom too:
Seriously!
Oh, and there are pearls of wisdom too:
Seriously!
November 14, 2017
Another charmer, even better than Max the Brave. And how can I not love a book that contains this:
"Follow me,"said Bird. "We'll go to the library... Libraries know everything."
"Follow me,"said Bird. "We'll go to the library... Libraries know everything."
July 21, 2017
Simple yet charming drawings accompany this short and sweet tale of an unlikely friendship. A real treat!
August 24, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is my first Max book, I have heard of him before, but never had the chance to read a book about him. So I was fairly excited when I was approved for this book.
In this book Max makes a deal with a tiny little bird. Not only that Max also learns a valuable lesson.
I really liked Max, he was cute, and I could understand that he may want to chase (and eat) that bird. That is what cats do. So I was quite curious about what would happen after the deal. Would he still chase, and eventually eat, the bird? Or would they become good friends. Of course I won’t spoil the ending, haha, no. You will just have to read, but believe me, it was adorable.
I did think it was hilarious that the bird came to the cat about flying lessons. It was fun to see them figure out flying, and trying it out both (even though the cat had to know he can never fly like that). It was great that they never gave up, that they were really determined to just keep on going. To just keep on trying.
The art is pretty basic, it did fit with the story, but I am not really impressed with it. Not really my favourite art style.
But all in all, I would recommend this one. It is a funny picture book, and I had fun reading it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This is my first Max book, I have heard of him before, but never had the chance to read a book about him. So I was fairly excited when I was approved for this book.
In this book Max makes a deal with a tiny little bird. Not only that Max also learns a valuable lesson.
I really liked Max, he was cute, and I could understand that he may want to chase (and eat) that bird. That is what cats do. So I was quite curious about what would happen after the deal. Would he still chase, and eventually eat, the bird? Or would they become good friends. Of course I won’t spoil the ending, haha, no. You will just have to read, but believe me, it was adorable.
I did think it was hilarious that the bird came to the cat about flying lessons. It was fun to see them figure out flying, and trying it out both (even though the cat had to know he can never fly like that). It was great that they never gave up, that they were really determined to just keep on going. To just keep on trying.
The art is pretty basic, it did fit with the story, but I am not really impressed with it. Not really my favourite art style.
But all in all, I would recommend this one. It is a funny picture book, and I had fun reading it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 6, 2018
Max, a kitten, and Bird, a bird, form a friendship, which is instantly marred by a rule of nature. The problem is Max is a kitten. Kittens chase birds. Bird is a bird. Birds get chased by kittens. Bird, despite being very uncomfortable with the inequality of their friendship, goes along with this even though he doesn't want Max to chase him. To be a good sport, Max even agrees to delay attempting to catch and eat Bird until he learns to fly. In fact, he even promises to help Bird learn to fly.
To facilitate the process, Max and Bird go to the library to do research on flying because "Libraries know everything." After reading books about how to fly, they practice and practice. When this doesn't achieve the desired results, they consult a more knowledgeable other, Pigeon, who is an unhelpful showoff about it. Then Max and Bird practice some more until finally Bird manages to fly.
Still persisting in their very one-sided relationship, Bird resignedly asks Max if he'd like to eat him now that he can fly. But Max suddenly isn't so sure. In fact, he'd been so invested in helping Bird that forgotten that he was a predator and that Bird was prey. As emotional intimacy is based on shared experience, a true bond had developed between them, which changes things. After weighing the pros and cons, Max decides to forgo the traditional relationship between their species, and the pair become actual friends.
This book is another example of the common theme in children's literature that one can be friends with someone completely different even if it is against custom or tradition for both parties. Like The Giving Tree, it also touches vastly unequal relationships. While Bird is just as willing as the Giving Tree to allow himself to be taken advantage of in order to please someone else, Max unlike the boy decides not to exploit someone else just because he can and because the other person is foolish/naive enough to allow it. Compassion for the weak isn't something that capitalist countries like the United States value or teach, so it was refreshing to see this sentiment espoused within this story. Just because you have the ability to manipulate, use, and/or harm someone else doesn't give you the right to do so ... at least according to secular humanist and the tenents of socialism.
The shout-out for libraries was much appreciated. Remember, kids: when in doubt, go to the library.
To facilitate the process, Max and Bird go to the library to do research on flying because "Libraries know everything." After reading books about how to fly, they practice and practice. When this doesn't achieve the desired results, they consult a more knowledgeable other, Pigeon, who is an unhelpful showoff about it. Then Max and Bird practice some more until finally Bird manages to fly.
Still persisting in their very one-sided relationship, Bird resignedly asks Max if he'd like to eat him now that he can fly. But Max suddenly isn't so sure. In fact, he'd been so invested in helping Bird that forgotten that he was a predator and that Bird was prey. As emotional intimacy is based on shared experience, a true bond had developed between them, which changes things. After weighing the pros and cons, Max decides to forgo the traditional relationship between their species, and the pair become actual friends.
This book is another example of the common theme in children's literature that one can be friends with someone completely different even if it is against custom or tradition for both parties. Like The Giving Tree, it also touches vastly unequal relationships. While Bird is just as willing as the Giving Tree to allow himself to be taken advantage of in order to please someone else, Max unlike the boy decides not to exploit someone else just because he can and because the other person is foolish/naive enough to allow it. Compassion for the weak isn't something that capitalist countries like the United States value or teach, so it was refreshing to see this sentiment espoused within this story. Just because you have the ability to manipulate, use, and/or harm someone else doesn't give you the right to do so ... at least according to secular humanist and the tenents of socialism.
The shout-out for libraries was much appreciated. Remember, kids: when in doubt, go to the library.
May 30, 2017
This charming book is about Max, a kitten - and kittens chase birds and oftentimes have them as a tasty snack. Then there's Bird, and Bird is, ...well, a bird, who gets chased by kittens, and definitely does not want to become a snack. Thus the story begins.
Bird has to explain to his feline friend about friendship. He shares with Kitten that friends have fun together and should help each other. He boldly asks if Kitten will teach him to fly. Kitten has no clue as to how to grant that request so they both go off to the library to do research and find out. They are convinced that libraries know everything, so of course that's exactly where they should go, right? (I loved that line in the book best of all once having been a librarian myself! Yea!!!)
They sequester themselves for weeks in a cozy, comfy chair surrounded by a mountain of books that they eagerly devour. They read and read, packing info into their tiny brains then try to implement that knowledge into action. They flap, and flap and flap and flap their arms until a flapping frenzy occurs but flight doesn't. Bird does not experience liftoff. Finally they ditch the books and go seek out Pigeon for advice. Pigeon has had wings-on experience so he should be able to give accurate instructions as to how it's done properly. He gladly contributes to their plight and helps out. Then one day a miracle happens!!! SUCCESS!!! Bird's goal is achieved but now will he become a lovely, tasty, juicy snack for Kitten? Is that what true friends really do? Can Kitten be trusted?
This heartwarming book is light-hearted and warm-hearted too. The illustrations are extremely colourful, simple and kid-friendly. The book's message is one of compassion, friendship and lending a helping hand to someone in need. I highly recommend this book. This is book number three in the "Max" series.
Bird has to explain to his feline friend about friendship. He shares with Kitten that friends have fun together and should help each other. He boldly asks if Kitten will teach him to fly. Kitten has no clue as to how to grant that request so they both go off to the library to do research and find out. They are convinced that libraries know everything, so of course that's exactly where they should go, right? (I loved that line in the book best of all once having been a librarian myself! Yea!!!)
They sequester themselves for weeks in a cozy, comfy chair surrounded by a mountain of books that they eagerly devour. They read and read, packing info into their tiny brains then try to implement that knowledge into action. They flap, and flap and flap and flap their arms until a flapping frenzy occurs but flight doesn't. Bird does not experience liftoff. Finally they ditch the books and go seek out Pigeon for advice. Pigeon has had wings-on experience so he should be able to give accurate instructions as to how it's done properly. He gladly contributes to their plight and helps out. Then one day a miracle happens!!! SUCCESS!!! Bird's goal is achieved but now will he become a lovely, tasty, juicy snack for Kitten? Is that what true friends really do? Can Kitten be trusted?
This heartwarming book is light-hearted and warm-hearted too. The illustrations are extremely colourful, simple and kid-friendly. The book's message is one of compassion, friendship and lending a helping hand to someone in need. I highly recommend this book. This is book number three in the "Max" series.
September 1, 2017
“Oh”, said Max. “But it’s rule of nature. Birds get chased by kittens.”
“But friends don’t eat each other up!” said Bird.
“Hmm”, said Max. “We need to think about this.”
This is the third outing for Max but the first I have seen – will be looking out for the others now! This is an adorable picture book with effective, colourful illustrations which show a wide range of emotions through simple changes. An unlikely friendship is formed between a kitten and a bird when the bird challenges the kitten’s assumption that birds are there to be chased and eaten. They traipse off to the library to learn how to fly and Max realises he no longer sees Bird as just a tasty snack.
I will definitely be using this book for the beginning of the academic year with my new class to talk about how friends come in all shapes and sizes and what we need to do to be a good friend.
Bird explained the principles of friendship to Max.
“Friends have fun together and help each other out…”
If you teach me how to fly,” said Bird, “then we’ll talk about the chasing…”
What I liked: Cute, colourful art style and adorable storyline – I will be looking for others in this series now. Loved them going to the library to learn how to fly because ‘libraries know everything.’ Liked how bird got frustrated and overcame it as how Max made a list of pros and cons when deciding whether or not to eat Bird.
Even better if: I had the rest of the books already.
How you could use it in your classroom: Read it to your children/ class and discuss what makes people friends – perhaps have them come up with ther own ideas for what makes friends friends as well as predicting what Max will do at the end.
(Thank you to Netgalley and Puffin/ Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Kids for my review copy)
“But friends don’t eat each other up!” said Bird.
“Hmm”, said Max. “We need to think about this.”
This is the third outing for Max but the first I have seen – will be looking out for the others now! This is an adorable picture book with effective, colourful illustrations which show a wide range of emotions through simple changes. An unlikely friendship is formed between a kitten and a bird when the bird challenges the kitten’s assumption that birds are there to be chased and eaten. They traipse off to the library to learn how to fly and Max realises he no longer sees Bird as just a tasty snack.
I will definitely be using this book for the beginning of the academic year with my new class to talk about how friends come in all shapes and sizes and what we need to do to be a good friend.
Bird explained the principles of friendship to Max.
“Friends have fun together and help each other out…”
If you teach me how to fly,” said Bird, “then we’ll talk about the chasing…”
What I liked: Cute, colourful art style and adorable storyline – I will be looking for others in this series now. Loved them going to the library to learn how to fly because ‘libraries know everything.’ Liked how bird got frustrated and overcame it as how Max made a list of pros and cons when deciding whether or not to eat Bird.
Even better if: I had the rest of the books already.
How you could use it in your classroom: Read it to your children/ class and discuss what makes people friends – perhaps have them come up with ther own ideas for what makes friends friends as well as predicting what Max will do at the end.
(Thank you to Netgalley and Puffin/ Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Kids for my review copy)
December 28, 2017
Max, the cat, and Bird both want to be friends, but Max thinks it will be best if he chases Bird first, since that’s what kittens do. After catching Bird, he might eat him (since that's what kittens do). Bird doesn't hesitate to let him know that he doesn’t like being chased and he’s far too young to be a snack. So young, in fact, that he hasn’t even learned to fly. Max isn’t convinced so easily. “But it’s a rule of nature. Birds get chased by kittens.” Again Bird has an answer. "But friends don’t eat each other up!" This is lots to think about, so the two sit and ponder what to do. Finally, Bird comes up with an idea. “Friends have fun together and help each other out . . . If you teach me how to fly, then we’ll talk about the chasing . . . and all that other stuff. OK?” After shaking on what seems to be a fair deal, Max proceeds to teach Bird the principles of flight. “Well, Bird, first of all, you . . . er . . . What you do is . . . Well . . . ahem,” coughed Max. “I don’t think I know how to fly either.” So where do they begin? The library, of course. Don’t libraries have an answer for everything?
Will Bird ever learn how to fly? And what will Max decide about chasing and having Bird as a snack?
Cons: I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the illustrations of Max and Bird.
Pros: Such a fun story about compromise, teamwork, and friendship. The text size and words seem just right for children learning to read (see example below). This is a story that most adults won't mind reading and little ones will love to hear over and over.
Will Bird ever learn how to fly? And what will Max decide about chasing and having Bird as a snack?
Cons: I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the illustrations of Max and Bird.
Pros: Such a fun story about compromise, teamwork, and friendship. The text size and words seem just right for children learning to read (see example below). This is a story that most adults won't mind reading and little ones will love to hear over and over.
September 9, 2017
I loved everything about this book. Perfect for the Pre-K through perhaps 1st grade set, Max and Bird provide numerous lessons for children- both obvious and not so overt.
Using 'friendship' as it's main moral message, we see Max and Bird grow as friends and individuals. At the beginning, Max's mindset is to follow the history of birds vs. cats and eat bird. But, as he begins to spend quality time with Bird, he realizes that his initial assumptions were a bit off. He also finds great satisfaction in helping bird with his quest to fly. Here children witness unlikely friendships formed and about giving new friendships a chance especially when people are drastically different.
With Bird, readers see a character who realizes he needs help and isn't afraid to ask for it. Again, Bird throws off stereotypical behavior and instead makes Max feel valued as a friend. We also witness Bird losing his temper, but rebounding quickly. He doesn't dwell on his anger or get violent. He verbalizes and moves on. These are long-lasting messages kids need today.
As the book's illustrator, Ed Vere has drawn Max and Bird exactly how one might mentally picture them. The illustrations keep the reader's interest without becoming the only focal point of the book. There's a perfect harmony between words and pictures. 'Max and Bird' is a great choice for bedtime/quiet time reading and I highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars!
Using 'friendship' as it's main moral message, we see Max and Bird grow as friends and individuals. At the beginning, Max's mindset is to follow the history of birds vs. cats and eat bird. But, as he begins to spend quality time with Bird, he realizes that his initial assumptions were a bit off. He also finds great satisfaction in helping bird with his quest to fly. Here children witness unlikely friendships formed and about giving new friendships a chance especially when people are drastically different.
With Bird, readers see a character who realizes he needs help and isn't afraid to ask for it. Again, Bird throws off stereotypical behavior and instead makes Max feel valued as a friend. We also witness Bird losing his temper, but rebounding quickly. He doesn't dwell on his anger or get violent. He verbalizes and moves on. These are long-lasting messages kids need today.
As the book's illustrator, Ed Vere has drawn Max and Bird exactly how one might mentally picture them. The illustrations keep the reader's interest without becoming the only focal point of the book. There's a perfect harmony between words and pictures. 'Max and Bird' is a great choice for bedtime/quiet time reading and I highly recommend it! I give it 5 stars!
August 21, 2017
Max is a naive young kitten who attempts to act like a traditional cat, but is sidetracked by his sweet nature. Usually this means he ends up befriending his dinner. I've been smitten with him since being introduced to him in Max the Brave. In that first book, Max went in search of a mouse to catch. Unfortunately, he had no idea what a mouse was. I loved him even more in Max at Night, when Max headed off on a quest to find the moon and say goodnight. If you haven't been introduced to Max yet, you are going to want to get copies and read them.
In this book Max meets a baby bird. After some negotiating, Max agrees to help the little bird learn to fly. I adore that the two of them go to the library to check out books about flying.
After some research, they figured out what to do. Both of them concentrated, stuck out their wings and flapped hard. Nothing happened.
No matter how hard they tried and how much they dreamed of flying, they couldn't take off.
You are going to have to read the book to see how the flying and friendship lessons go.
Ed Vere's sweet humour appeals to adults and children alike. His books teach all of us that friendship can be found in all kinds of people, no matter how different they are from us.
In this book Max meets a baby bird. After some negotiating, Max agrees to help the little bird learn to fly. I adore that the two of them go to the library to check out books about flying.
After some research, they figured out what to do. Both of them concentrated, stuck out their wings and flapped hard. Nothing happened.
No matter how hard they tried and how much they dreamed of flying, they couldn't take off.
You are going to have to read the book to see how the flying and friendship lessons go.
Ed Vere's sweet humour appeals to adults and children alike. His books teach all of us that friendship can be found in all kinds of people, no matter how different they are from us.
August 4, 2017
Max and Bird is another picturebook by Ed Vere featuring the spunky little cat named Max. When Max meets Bird, Max thinks he'd like to be friends with Bird. He would also like to chase Bird and maybe eat him as a tasty snack. But friends do things together not make snacks out of each other.
Max and Bird is a cute and entertaining tale about Max learning a lesson about life and friendship. Max and Bird decide to be friends and try to learn how to fly. As a librarian I was thrilled that going to the library to research how to fly was included- it made me smile and I hope it sticks with some of the young readers and listeners of the story that a library is a great place to get more information. However, if they had asked a librarian they could have had help getting the right book, and those from the higher shelves. I also like that the pair further problem solved by talking to an adult that clearly knew the information that they were looking for. This is another winner from Vere- with Max learning a lesson while being cute and funny along the way.
Max and Bird is a cute and entertaining tale about Max learning a lesson about life and friendship. Max and Bird decide to be friends and try to learn how to fly. As a librarian I was thrilled that going to the library to research how to fly was included- it made me smile and I hope it sticks with some of the young readers and listeners of the story that a library is a great place to get more information. However, if they had asked a librarian they could have had help getting the right book, and those from the higher shelves. I also like that the pair further problem solved by talking to an adult that clearly knew the information that they were looking for. This is another winner from Vere- with Max learning a lesson while being cute and funny along the way.
February 25, 2018
Vere, Ed. Max and Bird, PICTURE BOOK. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2016. $17.99.
Max is a kitten and kittens like to chase birds. When he meets a bird one day, Max asks him to be friends. The bird is wary because he does not want to be eaten. They strike a deal and decide that Max should teach Bird how to fly and then they can discuss the whole “tasty snack” situation later. Max and Bird research how flying works and practice together and ask for advice. Eventually, bird finally flies and Max decides he’d rather have a friend than a meal, so bird doesn’t get eaten.
I really wanted to love this book, but it fell so flat. I loved the beginning premise and the artwork is really cute, but it was so long! It seemed to have a lot of unnecessary fluff.
PRE-K, EL (K-3)- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Shay, School Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
Max is a kitten and kittens like to chase birds. When he meets a bird one day, Max asks him to be friends. The bird is wary because he does not want to be eaten. They strike a deal and decide that Max should teach Bird how to fly and then they can discuss the whole “tasty snack” situation later. Max and Bird research how flying works and practice together and ask for advice. Eventually, bird finally flies and Max decides he’d rather have a friend than a meal, so bird doesn’t get eaten.
I really wanted to love this book, but it fell so flat. I loved the beginning premise and the artwork is really cute, but it was so long! It seemed to have a lot of unnecessary fluff.
PRE-K, EL (K-3)- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by Shay, School Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
June 2, 2021
Max the kitten meets Bird. The two agree to be friends. But then Max asks if he can chase and eat Bird since that seems to be what cats are to do with birds. Bird is a bit wary, and goes over the definition of friendship again with Max. The two then agree that Max will help Bird learn to fly, and then they'll see about the whole chasing thing.
This is a sweet friendship story about a socially awkward kitten learning what it means to be friends, a bird desperate to fly, and a true friendship forged over working hard together. I like how this book explores what true friendship means because I think it is a concept that can be hard for littles to truly grasp and understand how friends should and shouldn't treat each other. This could be a great conversation starter about good friendship with kids. I also like how the duo use the library to help them when they are stumped in knowing how Bird should fly. Super cute and a great addition to Max's adventures.
This is a sweet friendship story about a socially awkward kitten learning what it means to be friends, a bird desperate to fly, and a true friendship forged over working hard together. I like how this book explores what true friendship means because I think it is a concept that can be hard for littles to truly grasp and understand how friends should and shouldn't treat each other. This could be a great conversation starter about good friendship with kids. I also like how the duo use the library to help them when they are stumped in knowing how Bird should fly. Super cute and a great addition to Max's adventures.
October 6, 2016
Max is a small black kitten with large round eyes. He loves to chase birds and occasionally tries to eat them for a snack. Bird is, well, a tiny bird, who has not learned how to fly...yet. It is quite the conundrum: a kitten who longs to chase a bird and the bird he meets cannot fly. What is a bored kitty to do? Max and Bird decide to form an unusual friendship where Max agrees to help Bird learn how to fly with promises that he can chase Bird afterwards. After a trip to the library and plenty of important reading on topics like flying and a fear of heights, Max and Bird each decide to give flying a try. I mean, it cannot be that hard right? All you have to do is stick out your wings and flap. So, did Max’s plan work? Was Bird able to fly and Max able to chase Bird? Did Max have a change of heart towards Bird and no longer wish to eat him? Burp! Perhaps not.
There is nothing ‘catty’ about Ed Vere’s latest installment to the Max and Bird series. Only page after page of hilarity, as Max and Bird navigate on a journey that takes them from being natural enemies to becoming the best of friends, as they work together to solve Bird’s dilemma: his inability to fly. Max and Bird contains an encouraging moral lesson for children to grasp. Despite numerous failed attempts, Bird refuses to give up. He is determined to learn how to fly, especially with a little motivation from a character named Pigeon, who makes flying look as easy as: zig and zag and loop the loop.
Mr. Verde’s illustrations in Max and Bird are childlike, adding an even more adorable quality to the characters and storyline. Each character has overly-exaggerated giant eyes, only the eyes in Max and Bird, are friendly, not haunting and scary as often seen in Tim Burton characters. The background colors used throughout the book visually reinforce what is taking place in the story at that time. For example: the page where Bird has a tantrum because he is frustrated over flying is colored in a flat, semi-dark gray. The color gray represents moodiness, frustration and depression which are all of the feelings Bird is experiencing in that moment. The color choice helps to emphasize Bird’s dialogue: “I’m bored! Flapping isn’t working out!”.
No catnip is required in order to enjoy Max and Bird. The reader need only stretch forth their arms and flap themselves to the nearest bookstore and purchase a copy for their bookshelf, today.
There is nothing ‘catty’ about Ed Vere’s latest installment to the Max and Bird series. Only page after page of hilarity, as Max and Bird navigate on a journey that takes them from being natural enemies to becoming the best of friends, as they work together to solve Bird’s dilemma: his inability to fly. Max and Bird contains an encouraging moral lesson for children to grasp. Despite numerous failed attempts, Bird refuses to give up. He is determined to learn how to fly, especially with a little motivation from a character named Pigeon, who makes flying look as easy as: zig and zag and loop the loop.
Mr. Verde’s illustrations in Max and Bird are childlike, adding an even more adorable quality to the characters and storyline. Each character has overly-exaggerated giant eyes, only the eyes in Max and Bird, are friendly, not haunting and scary as often seen in Tim Burton characters. The background colors used throughout the book visually reinforce what is taking place in the story at that time. For example: the page where Bird has a tantrum because he is frustrated over flying is colored in a flat, semi-dark gray. The color gray represents moodiness, frustration and depression which are all of the feelings Bird is experiencing in that moment. The color choice helps to emphasize Bird’s dialogue: “I’m bored! Flapping isn’t working out!”.
No catnip is required in order to enjoy Max and Bird. The reader need only stretch forth their arms and flap themselves to the nearest bookstore and purchase a copy for their bookshelf, today.
June 13, 2017
Max is a cat who wants to be friends with Bird. . . and then eat him. Bird doesn’t think that’s a great idea, mostly because he’s so young he hasn’t learned to fly yet. They make a deal to postpone the eating and be friends for a while first.
They go to the library, which has a whole section on flying. . . but it’s so big they can only reach the bottom shelf. Too bad they can’t fly. . .
It took so long to finally fly that Max forgot all about eating his friendly snack, and wouldn’t have remembered had Bird not been dumb enough to remind him. But then Max wouldn’t have had his existential moment. . .
It’s a rather silly story; I can just picture little kids saying, “That doesn’t make sense!” Compared to most others, this artwork is rudimentary.
They go to the library, which has a whole section on flying. . . but it’s so big they can only reach the bottom shelf. Too bad they can’t fly. . .
It took so long to finally fly that Max forgot all about eating his friendly snack, and wouldn’t have remembered had Bird not been dumb enough to remind him. But then Max wouldn’t have had his existential moment. . .
It’s a rather silly story; I can just picture little kids saying, “That doesn’t make sense!” Compared to most others, this artwork is rudimentary.
July 18, 2017
Max and Bird is a cute story about Max the kitten and Bird the bird. They decide to be friends, but Max's plan to chase Bird and then eat him up doesn't sound like a good idea to Bird. Since they are new friends, they decide to make a plan: Max will help teach Bird how to fly, then Max can chase (and maybe eat up) Bird.
With help from the library and another bird, Max and Bird try to tackle the art of flying and become better friends along the way. But what about that tasty snack Max wanted?
With simple yet colorful illustrations, Max and Bird is sure to be a favorite of young children!
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
With help from the library and another bird, Max and Bird try to tackle the art of flying and become better friends along the way. But what about that tasty snack Max wanted?
With simple yet colorful illustrations, Max and Bird is sure to be a favorite of young children!
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
May 30, 2017
I will go into my honest review for a free copy of the book from Netgalley by saying I'm biased because I am the proud owner of a black cat that I love a lot, and am a huge fan of black cats. With that said, this book was absolutely adorable, and very reminiscent of the Pigeon series and Narwhal and Jellyfish series combined. As a result, this adorable book tells about learning how to fly and being friends all at once. An adorable story with cute characters, and a black cat that likes a bird. It's amazing, and I highly recommend it!
June 29, 2017
We love the Max books and this one is no different. I love that the story and illustrations seem simple but convey a lot and a sweet message, as always. {plus the lovely spread of Max and Bird going to the library to find their answer!} Even Skye sat still to listen and came back when I read it later to the bigs. She enjoyed pointing to Max and Bird and saying their names...
We expected Max to think Bird wasn't a bird, a la Mouse in book one, but their conundrum is still a great lesson on friendship.
(I got an ARC from the publisher.)
We expected Max to think Bird wasn't a bird, a la Mouse in book one, but their conundrum is still a great lesson on friendship.
(I got an ARC from the publisher.)
August 29, 2017
My children and I have loved Max and enjoy reading about his friends and adventures ever since we stumbled upon Max the Brave a couple years ago at the library. Max and Bird is certainly no exception. The illustrations are minimal and simplistic, but in a good way. The story-telling is well thought out but brief and to the point. I was given the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley in an eBook and I cannot wait to add it to Max the Brave and Max at Night on my girls' bookshelf.
September 18, 2017
I love these books Max is such an adorable cat. This book did not disappoint. The pictures are so adorable and the story is not too wordy. In the end Max made a friend with Bird. This would be great to do for a storytime and could also be a good teaching moment with children, helping them understand that spending time with someone and helping them learn how to do something is the way for them to be a good friend to someone. There are always chances to serve others and make a friend in the meantime. For the craft, the children could either decorate a cat or a bird.
September 27, 2017
Max and Bird is such a fun book! You are going to want to read it to your kids as much as they’ll want you to read it to them! Ed Vere’s writing style is simple, yet he gets the message across. He does that not only with text but also with illustrations.
Max has a new friend, Bird. Bird is just little and can’t fly yet. Max can’t fly either…well, Max IS a kitten. Max knows that kittens chase and eat birds. Bird knows that friends don’t eat friends. They decide to think about it for a bit. While they think, they decide to learn how to fly. How do they learn to fly? They go to the library and check out books!! Yay, for libraries! They read and read, and try and try to fly.
What happens? Will Max eat Bird? Will they learn to fly? Find out in Max and Bird. You’ll love it!
Max has a new friend, Bird. Bird is just little and can’t fly yet. Max can’t fly either…well, Max IS a kitten. Max knows that kittens chase and eat birds. Bird knows that friends don’t eat friends. They decide to think about it for a bit. While they think, they decide to learn how to fly. How do they learn to fly? They go to the library and check out books!! Yay, for libraries! They read and read, and try and try to fly.
What happens? Will Max eat Bird? Will they learn to fly? Find out in Max and Bird. You’ll love it!
April 5, 2018
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Another silly Max story. Not as wonderful as Max the Brave, in my opinion, but still a very good book. Max and Bird become friends, and while it is off to a rough start, everything works out in the end. The book is pretty straight-forward about what cats like to do with birds. Nothing graphic, but it is definitely not all cute and cuddly to begin with. But the two figure it out, resulting is an adorable story. As with the other books, the illustrations are simple and entertaining.
A fun read.
Another silly Max story. Not as wonderful as Max the Brave, in my opinion, but still a very good book. Max and Bird become friends, and while it is off to a rough start, everything works out in the end. The book is pretty straight-forward about what cats like to do with birds. Nothing graphic, but it is definitely not all cute and cuddly to begin with. But the two figure it out, resulting is an adorable story. As with the other books, the illustrations are simple and entertaining.
A fun read.
April 24, 2019
This was just as cute as the first installment, Max the Brave! In this one, Max (a kitten) finds Bird (a bird) and wants to do what all kittens do: chase Bird and eat them for a tasty snack! But instead, Bird makes a deal that if Max teaches him to fly, then he'll let Max chase him...but of course as the plot plays out (I won't spoil how a kitten can teach a bird to fly!) Max and Bird become fast friends, and after a hilarious inner struggle (where Max makes a pro/con list: pro: tasty snack; con: no friend HAHAHA) Max ultimately decides not to eat Bird. Hurrah!
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