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Max's Words
Max’s brothers have grand collections that everyone makes a big fuss over. Benjamin collects stamps and Karl collects coins, and neither one will share with their little brother. So Max decides to start a collection of his own. He’s going to collect words. He starts with small words that he cuts out of newspapers and magazines, but soon his collection has spilled out into the hall. All the while, his brothers are watching. Benjamin brags that he has one thousand stamps. Karl is just a few coins short of five hundred. But a thousand stamps is really just a bunch of stamps, and a lot of coins is only a heap of money. A pile of words, however, can make a story.
Bright, bold pictures incorporating clever wordplay accompany this highly original tale about a younger brother’s ingenuity.
Max's Words is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Bright, bold pictures incorporating clever wordplay accompany this highly original tale about a younger brother’s ingenuity.
Max's Words is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2006
11 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Kate Banks
88 books50 followersKate Banks has written many books for children, among them Max’s Words, And If the Moon Could Talk, winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and The Night Worker, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She grew up in Maine, where she and her two sisters and brother spent a lot of time outdoors, and where Banks developed an early love of reading. “I especially liked picture books,” she says, “and the way in which words and illustrations could create a whole new world in which sometimes real and other times magical and unexpected things could happen.” Banks attended Wellesley College and received her masters in history at Columbia University. She lived in Rome for eight years but now lives in the South of France with her husband and two sons, Peter Anton and Maximilian.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks
http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
January 12, 2014
I wasn't totally happy with the frame narrative of the older brothers and their collecting, and how the author seems to disparage them -- it doesn't seem necessary to put down one hobby to make another look better -- but otherwise this story of a small boy who begins to play with words was quote good, especially for something that is clearly intended to be of educational value.
My favorite aspect of the story was the part where the brothers collaborate on making a story from the piles of words. My favorite aspect of the illustrations was how Kulikov draws the words in ways that reflect their meanings.
My favorite aspect of the story was the part where the brothers collaborate on making a story from the piles of words. My favorite aspect of the illustrations was how Kulikov draws the words in ways that reflect their meanings.
November 10, 2009
Banks illustrations are fabulous! I loved this book, my kids and I have already read it twice and each time we have found something that we missed when we read it the first time. The illustrations jump out at you and defiantly caught our eye. I love when the words become the pictures it really helped my children associate words with the picture if they were not familiar with them.
Max stood out with his red, spiky hair right at the beginning of this book. On the first page he was on the side of the table all by himself. He continued throughout the book, being on every page! We also enjoyed the detailed illustrations words, piles of words and finally the knee deep words. One thing I noticed was that the magazine he was cutting his words out of was a Book Review Magazine!
The text was eye catching also. Some of the text was cut out of magazines with different styles of print. Some of the text was incorporated into the actual word. (Crocodile, Alligator)
Ages 4-10
Writing ~ This is a great book to teach children the power of words and storytelling. We could learn new words and make up our own story but cutting words out of magazines.
L.A. ~ practice word wall words
We can also talk about collecting items.
Max stood out with his red, spiky hair right at the beginning of this book. On the first page he was on the side of the table all by himself. He continued throughout the book, being on every page! We also enjoyed the detailed illustrations words, piles of words and finally the knee deep words. One thing I noticed was that the magazine he was cutting his words out of was a Book Review Magazine!
The text was eye catching also. Some of the text was cut out of magazines with different styles of print. Some of the text was incorporated into the actual word. (Crocodile, Alligator)
Ages 4-10
Writing ~ This is a great book to teach children the power of words and storytelling. We could learn new words and make up our own story but cutting words out of magazines.
L.A. ~ practice word wall words
We can also talk about collecting items.
February 21, 2010
Grades K-3
Max's brothers collect stamps and coins, and they will not share their collections. Max decides to collect words. At first his words are small: at, but, the, but then his collection grows to include the words of his favorite colors, food, and animals. He starts collecting words he doesn't know, and soon, he begins writing stories. This book has an enjoyable plot and is a metaphor for learning to read and write. This is an exploration of how words can be combined and manipulated to form ideas. The illustrations add an element of fantasy to this wonderful story.
Max's brothers collect stamps and coins, and they will not share their collections. Max decides to collect words. At first his words are small: at, but, the, but then his collection grows to include the words of his favorite colors, food, and animals. He starts collecting words he doesn't know, and soon, he begins writing stories. This book has an enjoyable plot and is a metaphor for learning to read and write. This is an exploration of how words can be combined and manipulated to form ideas. The illustrations add an element of fantasy to this wonderful story.
December 29, 2017
Good book. I enjoyed it and found it clever, but my 6-8th graders weren’t too interested in this one (I was using it as a hook for a word project we were doing)... On the other hand, my friend, who teaches 3rd grade, said her kids loved it. So it’s probably just the age group. It’s a clever story, so I recommend it for elementary grades.
March 15, 2011
This book would work very well as a read aloud and to use in connection with a vocabulary lesson or writing sentences. (It would work well with a lesson on sharing, too.)
Students will enjoy hearing the story read aloud and may even be inspired to create their own word collections. Kulikov's excellent illustrations are designed around the stories that Max creates with his word collection. This will allow young readers to find clues to help them with the harder words.
In addition to showing how to create sentences using a variety of words, the story also illustrates the value of working together. In the beginning Max's brothers refuse to share their collections with him, but once they see how cool his word collection is that want words, too. Max agrees to share, if they share.
This is a good edition to any elementary classroom or school library.
Recommended for Pre-school to 3rd Grade
Mrs. Archer's Rating: 5 of 5!
Students will enjoy hearing the story read aloud and may even be inspired to create their own word collections. Kulikov's excellent illustrations are designed around the stories that Max creates with his word collection. This will allow young readers to find clues to help them with the harder words.
In addition to showing how to create sentences using a variety of words, the story also illustrates the value of working together. In the beginning Max's brothers refuse to share their collections with him, but once they see how cool his word collection is that want words, too. Max agrees to share, if they share.
This is a good edition to any elementary classroom or school library.
Recommended for Pre-school to 3rd Grade
Mrs. Archer's Rating: 5 of 5!
November 11, 2011
I loved this book. I would use this just as max did. I would have the students cut out words they know from magazines ( words they like, ate, played with, etc). Then I would challenge them to from word they dont know and look them up so it can be words they do know. While finding words they dont know, they will find more words that they do know. Next I would have them make sentences with the piles of words they have. Then they could turn thier sentences into stories. I love that this helps students learn so many literacy skills while doing something so simple and easy.
Also, many of the words that Max found were drawn words ( a picture of the word as it is written). I would have students write word in this way. This is connecting words that they know with the picture of it. Also, I would do this with unknown words. I would have them find ( or give them) unknown words that they would have to define. Then with the definition, students would have to draw the word artisitcally.
Also, many of the words that Max found were drawn words ( a picture of the word as it is written). I would have students write word in this way. This is connecting words that they know with the picture of it. Also, I would do this with unknown words. I would have them find ( or give them) unknown words that they would have to define. Then with the definition, students would have to draw the word artisitcally.
September 6, 2017
Max’s Brothers both collect items and Max is feeling a little left out. He decides to collect words, one word leads to another until Max has a story worth telling. This book aids in language development and makes writing stories seem fun. Would be a great book to read to students who are learning to write sentences and trying to differentiate sentence set-up.
July 12, 2018
Max’s Words is characterized as a work of non-fiction that falls into the Arts & Leisure category. It is designed particularly for children who are between ages five and eight. This book is about a little boy, named Max, who sees that his brothers have grand collections; Benjamin collects stamps while Karl collects coins. When Max requests to have a stamp or a coin, neither is willing to share with him so Max decides to collect words himself.
In consideration to the organization of the book, the events proceeded in a logical manner and there is a fluid connection between various sections of the story. Furthermore, the book ends with a meaningful resolution, which resolves the initial two conflicts: Max’s desire to produce a collection and his brother’s willingness to share.
Kate demonstrates an efficient style in her writing. Her sentences are well-developed and easy to understand, considering the reading levels of young children. The book does not contain any complex words aside from the ones that Max “collects”. For example, a six-year old may not necessarily know what “iguana” means or what “slithered” means. The language is not exactly poetic but is clear, precise, and succinct.
The book includes various illustrations and patterns. The illustrator vividly portrays emotions by defining facial features through the intentional use of shadows, shapes, and lines. The color combination is cheerful, incorporating a series of colors but emphasizing two in particular: red and green. The story depicts a predictable trend of Max collecting different kinds of words, ranging from words that are small to words that he does not know. These words are illustrated artistically in different font styles and sizes, some bold and others italicized.
Regardless of the author’s efficient writing style, thoughtful illustrations, and proper organization, I felt that this book was a little dim for my tastes. It lacked the suspense and tension needed to stimulate my interest. Therefore, I think that younger children may find this book more enjoyable compared to older children.
In consideration to the organization of the book, the events proceeded in a logical manner and there is a fluid connection between various sections of the story. Furthermore, the book ends with a meaningful resolution, which resolves the initial two conflicts: Max’s desire to produce a collection and his brother’s willingness to share.
Kate demonstrates an efficient style in her writing. Her sentences are well-developed and easy to understand, considering the reading levels of young children. The book does not contain any complex words aside from the ones that Max “collects”. For example, a six-year old may not necessarily know what “iguana” means or what “slithered” means. The language is not exactly poetic but is clear, precise, and succinct.
The book includes various illustrations and patterns. The illustrator vividly portrays emotions by defining facial features through the intentional use of shadows, shapes, and lines. The color combination is cheerful, incorporating a series of colors but emphasizing two in particular: red and green. The story depicts a predictable trend of Max collecting different kinds of words, ranging from words that are small to words that he does not know. These words are illustrated artistically in different font styles and sizes, some bold and others italicized.
Regardless of the author’s efficient writing style, thoughtful illustrations, and proper organization, I felt that this book was a little dim for my tastes. It lacked the suspense and tension needed to stimulate my interest. Therefore, I think that younger children may find this book more enjoyable compared to older children.
April 29, 2014
Booklist (September 1, 2006 (Vol. 103, No. 1))
Max's brother Benjamin collects stamps; his brother Karl collect coins. Max wants to collect something too; he decides to collect words. He begins with small, familiar ones--ate, who, big--which he cuts out of magazines and newspapers. Then he finds longer ones--alligator, baseball. He collects words of things he likes to eat, words that describe colors, and strange words that he finds in the dictionary. When his collection grows too big for his desk, he spreads his words on the floor. Lured by the creative power of words, his brothers rearrange, change, and move the words to create a story, which is visualized in Kulikov's artwork. Kulikov's signature style, which incorporates exaggerated expressions, unusual perspectives, and big-eyed characters, is a perfect match for Banks'clever tale. Kids are naturally inclined to collect things, and the idea of accumulating something intangible in this delightful homage to storytelling will intrigue them. In a word: captivating.
Horn Book (Spring 2007)
Inspired by his brothers' stamp and coin collections, which neither of them will share, Max decides to start his own collection of words. He cuts out words from newspapers and magazines until he can create sentences and stories that inspire his brothers. The quirky illustrations, with their exaggerated proportions and perspectives, bring this simple story to life.
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2006)
When a lad's request for a stamp or a coin from his brothers' collections is rudely rejected, he takes up collecting something far more valuable. Kulikov's pop-eyed, faintly grotesque figures give the tale both a tongue-in-cheek air and a metaphorical quality. Max, disheveled and oddly dressed next to his neatly groomed siblings, is the picture of a creative type, and contemplating the drifts of words (in a wide variety of typefaces) that he's clipped from newspapers and magazines, he begins to lay out a story that soon has his brothers leaving their static gatherings of loot behind to join in: "When Benjamin put his stamps together, he had just a pile of stamps. When Karl put his coins together, he had just a pile of money. But when Max put his words together, he had a thought." It's a point that has been made elsewhere-most recently in Roni Schotter's The Boy Who Loved Words (March 2006), illustrated by Giselle Potter-but is always worth making again. (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection (April/May 2007)
In a story of sibling rivalry and self-sufficiency, Kate Banks successfully portrays the feelings of children and their changeable natures. Each of Max's brothers has his own collection of stamps or coins, which they refuse to share, so Max decides to collect words. Once they realize the dynamic nature of Max's collection, they decide it is a good idea, and they want some words too. Max's creativity sparks his brothers' curiosity, and they all join the storytelling adventures. Boris Kulikov's illustrations are somewhat subtle while being dynamic. With a closer look, one sees the detail of inset pictures in the shape of their collections. Karl is depicted in a circular picture with his coins. Benjamin is shown sorting stamps in a stamp-shaped picture. Max's words are painted in shapes to convey their vibrant characteristics. Sure to be a repeat request due to the boys' interactions, this will also be a winner with teachers for teaching writing and storytelling. With its seemingly simple story, this multifaceted title will get much use after it's discovered. Recommended. Carol M. Jones, Children's Librarian, Mt. Vernon, Georgia
Publishers Weekly (July 17, 2006)
Both clever and funny, Banks's (And if the Moon Could Talk) inventive picture book features literal and rambunctious word play. Max's brothers, Benjamin and Karl, each have impressive collections (stamps and coins, respectively). They laugh at Max when he decides to collect words. Kulikov's (Morris the Artist) clever illustrations feature Max's hundreds of words in different colors and fonts, sprinkled across the pages like confetti (at one point the boy is literally knee-deep in them). When Max's collection grows too large for his desk, he begins separating words into piles and realizes that, "when [he] puts his words in different orders, it made a big difference." (Writing "A blue crocodile ate the green iguana," he discovers, is very different from writing "The blue iguana ate a green crocodile.") When Max, with his hedgehog hair and thoughtful expressions, starts to write a story of his own about a worm and a crocodile, the real fun begins. Benjamin and Karl, always pictured as stuffy banker types with slicked-down hair and wearing vests, add sentences so the crocodile will eat Max's worm hero, and Max must race to find a sentence that will save his invented character. Banks's economically told tale brims with wit, and Kulikov's splashy illustrations easily keep the story Max writes from being confused with the overall plot. Readers and writers alike will enjoy the linguistic fun in this nearly word-perfect book. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (September 1, 2006)
PreS-Gr 2-Max's two older brothers are serious collectors: Benjamin saves stamps and Karl keeps coins. The youngest boy decides to accumulate words. He carefully selects them from newspapers and magazines, cutting out and sorting them by category: colors, foods, small ones, big ones. He copies entries from the dictionary onto pieces of paper and adds them to his mounting collection. It doesn't matter if coins or stamps are moved around, but words can be arranged and rearranged to create stories. Even though his siblings won't share pieces of their collections, Max gives away words and the three boys devise a short story together. Imaginative, softly colored illustrations reveal the gathered words scattered all over the pages. They are fine examples of concrete poetry: "HUNGRY" has a chunk bitten out of it; "ALLIGATOR" has teeth and an eye peering from the R; "BASEBALL" is printed in the shape of a bat. The text is set in a variety of styles and sometimes curves around the piles of Max's collection. This tale pays homage to the written word and may get children thinking about cutting and pasting their own stories or creating concrete poetry.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Max's brother Benjamin collects stamps; his brother Karl collect coins. Max wants to collect something too; he decides to collect words. He begins with small, familiar ones--ate, who, big--which he cuts out of magazines and newspapers. Then he finds longer ones--alligator, baseball. He collects words of things he likes to eat, words that describe colors, and strange words that he finds in the dictionary. When his collection grows too big for his desk, he spreads his words on the floor. Lured by the creative power of words, his brothers rearrange, change, and move the words to create a story, which is visualized in Kulikov's artwork. Kulikov's signature style, which incorporates exaggerated expressions, unusual perspectives, and big-eyed characters, is a perfect match for Banks'clever tale. Kids are naturally inclined to collect things, and the idea of accumulating something intangible in this delightful homage to storytelling will intrigue them. In a word: captivating.
Horn Book (Spring 2007)
Inspired by his brothers' stamp and coin collections, which neither of them will share, Max decides to start his own collection of words. He cuts out words from newspapers and magazines until he can create sentences and stories that inspire his brothers. The quirky illustrations, with their exaggerated proportions and perspectives, bring this simple story to life.
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2006)
When a lad's request for a stamp or a coin from his brothers' collections is rudely rejected, he takes up collecting something far more valuable. Kulikov's pop-eyed, faintly grotesque figures give the tale both a tongue-in-cheek air and a metaphorical quality. Max, disheveled and oddly dressed next to his neatly groomed siblings, is the picture of a creative type, and contemplating the drifts of words (in a wide variety of typefaces) that he's clipped from newspapers and magazines, he begins to lay out a story that soon has his brothers leaving their static gatherings of loot behind to join in: "When Benjamin put his stamps together, he had just a pile of stamps. When Karl put his coins together, he had just a pile of money. But when Max put his words together, he had a thought." It's a point that has been made elsewhere-most recently in Roni Schotter's The Boy Who Loved Words (March 2006), illustrated by Giselle Potter-but is always worth making again. (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection (April/May 2007)
In a story of sibling rivalry and self-sufficiency, Kate Banks successfully portrays the feelings of children and their changeable natures. Each of Max's brothers has his own collection of stamps or coins, which they refuse to share, so Max decides to collect words. Once they realize the dynamic nature of Max's collection, they decide it is a good idea, and they want some words too. Max's creativity sparks his brothers' curiosity, and they all join the storytelling adventures. Boris Kulikov's illustrations are somewhat subtle while being dynamic. With a closer look, one sees the detail of inset pictures in the shape of their collections. Karl is depicted in a circular picture with his coins. Benjamin is shown sorting stamps in a stamp-shaped picture. Max's words are painted in shapes to convey their vibrant characteristics. Sure to be a repeat request due to the boys' interactions, this will also be a winner with teachers for teaching writing and storytelling. With its seemingly simple story, this multifaceted title will get much use after it's discovered. Recommended. Carol M. Jones, Children's Librarian, Mt. Vernon, Georgia
Publishers Weekly (July 17, 2006)
Both clever and funny, Banks's (And if the Moon Could Talk) inventive picture book features literal and rambunctious word play. Max's brothers, Benjamin and Karl, each have impressive collections (stamps and coins, respectively). They laugh at Max when he decides to collect words. Kulikov's (Morris the Artist) clever illustrations feature Max's hundreds of words in different colors and fonts, sprinkled across the pages like confetti (at one point the boy is literally knee-deep in them). When Max's collection grows too large for his desk, he begins separating words into piles and realizes that, "when [he] puts his words in different orders, it made a big difference." (Writing "A blue crocodile ate the green iguana," he discovers, is very different from writing "The blue iguana ate a green crocodile.") When Max, with his hedgehog hair and thoughtful expressions, starts to write a story of his own about a worm and a crocodile, the real fun begins. Benjamin and Karl, always pictured as stuffy banker types with slicked-down hair and wearing vests, add sentences so the crocodile will eat Max's worm hero, and Max must race to find a sentence that will save his invented character. Banks's economically told tale brims with wit, and Kulikov's splashy illustrations easily keep the story Max writes from being confused with the overall plot. Readers and writers alike will enjoy the linguistic fun in this nearly word-perfect book. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal (September 1, 2006)
PreS-Gr 2-Max's two older brothers are serious collectors: Benjamin saves stamps and Karl keeps coins. The youngest boy decides to accumulate words. He carefully selects them from newspapers and magazines, cutting out and sorting them by category: colors, foods, small ones, big ones. He copies entries from the dictionary onto pieces of paper and adds them to his mounting collection. It doesn't matter if coins or stamps are moved around, but words can be arranged and rearranged to create stories. Even though his siblings won't share pieces of their collections, Max gives away words and the three boys devise a short story together. Imaginative, softly colored illustrations reveal the gathered words scattered all over the pages. They are fine examples of concrete poetry: "HUNGRY" has a chunk bitten out of it; "ALLIGATOR" has teeth and an eye peering from the R; "BASEBALL" is printed in the shape of a bat. The text is set in a variety of styles and sometimes curves around the piles of Max's collection. This tale pays homage to the written word and may get children thinking about cutting and pasting their own stories or creating concrete poetry.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2017
I loved this book. I loved the story. I didn't think the older brothers got "put down" as described in some reviews. I just thought that there was one brother (of three) who hadn't found his niche and his passion as soon as his siblings had. But then he found it. And it was as good as his brothers'. I loved that. This is an important topic for children. Finding one's "pursuit" is an important step in figuring out who one is. I think this is a worthy and important book. The illustrations are wonderful. They capture the feelings of the characters, including sibling rivalry, honestly and passionately. They are intriguing and magical and unusual.
November 18, 2019
Max's older brothers collect stamps and coins. Max wants to collect something too. He decides to collect words and uses them to make up stories. Soon his brothers want to help him make up stories and want some of his words so that they can make up their own stories. I love this book, maybe because I like to collect things myself. This book could be used to introduce the topic of collections. Children could write about what they like to collect or would like to collect. One of the literacy centers in an elementary classroom could be a collection of words and children could take turns making up their own stories and writing the story on paper.
July 21, 2023
What's the youngest brother of three to do? How can he excel, when it comes to collecting things?
Max's oldest brother, Benjamin, collects stamps.
His middle brother, Karl, collects coins.
To this writer, Max is by far the smartest of these three lads. Since he begins to collect words, then grows masterful at collecting words.
BRILLIANT CONCEPT FOR A BOOK
Brilliantly executed, thanks to words by Kate Banks
with superbly superb illustrations by Boris Kulikov.
Max's oldest brother, Benjamin, collects stamps.
His middle brother, Karl, collects coins.
To this writer, Max is by far the smartest of these three lads. Since he begins to collect words, then grows masterful at collecting words.
BRILLIANT CONCEPT FOR A BOOK
Brilliantly executed, thanks to words by Kate Banks
with superbly superb illustrations by Boris Kulikov.
November 26, 2024
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. It's about 2 brothers who collect things and won't share with their youngest brother, Max. Max begins to collect words by cutting them out of magazines. At first, his brothers aren't impressed- then over time, they begin to see how much fun Max is having through creating stories with his words. Soon everyone is joining in on the fun.
The writing was good and the story was playful.
The writing was good and the story was playful.
August 26, 2017
Max wants a collection like his older brothers (one has stamps and the other has coins). Neither will give him anything from their collections. He decides he will start his own and it will be words. He is using the words to make a story and his brothers join in. Eventually they trade a coin and a stamp for some of Max's words.
December 7, 2017
what a splendid idea! making the act of collecting words more appealing (and exciting!) than almost anything. I highly recommend this book for young children who are on the verge of reading. An enjoyable read aloud book at anytime too.
I must say, though, I miss Georg who used to illustrate Kate Banks' books!
I must say, though, I miss Georg who used to illustrate Kate Banks' books!
May 31, 2020
A youngest brother that wants to collect, like his older brothers. He asks if he might share in their stamp, and coin collections. They give a resounding, "NO!".
He resolves to collect words. His collection begins by finding words in magazines; clips those out that mean the most to him. Once the words became too many to neatly gather, he begins to put them together, and make sentences. Then, he realizes, he can make stories.
His brothers join in, to build on Max's stories.
A Weston Wood animated production.
He resolves to collect words. His collection begins by finding words in magazines; clips those out that mean the most to him. Once the words became too many to neatly gather, he begins to put them together, and make sentences. Then, he realizes, he can make stories.
His brothers join in, to build on Max's stories.
A Weston Wood animated production.
Read
November 9, 2020Author: Kate Banks
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (August 8, 2006)
Intended Audience: Preschool - 3
Summary: Max’s Words is the story of a young boy who decides to start a collection of words. This book is great for vocabulary enhancement because it introduces readers to an array of words ranging from simple words to more complex ones.
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (August 8, 2006)
Intended Audience: Preschool - 3
Summary: Max’s Words is the story of a young boy who decides to start a collection of words. This book is great for vocabulary enhancement because it introduces readers to an array of words ranging from simple words to more complex ones.
April 30, 2023
Concept and illustrations are good. The story within the story (regarding a worm and alligator) is blah and the message lacks that special something. I do love the various fonts and the magazine cut-out illustrations. The best part of the book is the very beginning and the precise yet almost poetic descriptions of Max’s brothers’ coin and stamp collections.
January 4, 2024
I don't particularly like the way the people are drawn, but I love the liveliness of the composition, suitable to each part of the story. And it's a wonderful story, mostly (I'm not sure why we need the mean brothers).
Perfectly reminds me of magnetic poetry... I made a kit of it to share with my kids and we did have fun with it, even though we had far fewer words than Max does.
Perfectly reminds me of magnetic poetry... I made a kit of it to share with my kids and we did have fun with it, even though we had far fewer words than Max does.
January 24, 2018
I like the story about a boy who collects words to make a story. But I find the art unappealing. The characters have big lifeless eyes, oddly proportioned noses, and are depicted from unusual angles.
May 3, 2018
Max's brothers collected coins and stamps but they wouldn't share with Max. Wanting to collect something,too, Max decided on words. His brothers scoffed until they saw what he could do with words. A beautiful story with wonderful illustrations.
July 16, 2018
Max's brothers collect stamps and coins and they won't let him play with the collection. Max decides to collect words. Stamps and coins don't do anything, but words make stories. Good to use in the classroom for word building
October 19, 2021
I enjoyed the pictures in this. A lovely book. Makes you want to cut words out. There's a certain level of fantasy in it which is nice. Gets your imagination rolling like an old car engine. Tick tick tick. My only disappointment is it ended too early.
September 15, 2017
2010 Monarch Award Nominee. Great story about the power of words.
November 8, 2017
A beautiful story illustrating the power of words. It also highlights the importance of sharing and the fun of collecting.
October 9, 2018
Magnificent example of the magic of words and how they create stories that can carry us away! I love the dynamics of Max's brothers.
November 15, 2018
Great book to hook kids for a vocabulary lesson! I loved the illustrations and when I shared it in class, my students found things I had missed. Definitely one I will read again in the future!
December 23, 2018
Great for vocabulary motivation.
March 15, 2019
If you're going to collect something, why not collect words? Follow Max as he discovers and explores his new collection.
March 30, 2019
It's fine, with old timey illustrations, but honestly it's just not as good as The Word Collector. And there was too much sibling rivalry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews