Musical Max
Robert Kraus. Simon & Schuster, $14 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-671-68681-9
The talented trio responsible for Leo the Late Bloomer and Boris Bad Enough here introduce Max, a bright blue hippo with prodigious musical talent. Max plays every variety of instrument, including the synthesizer; and though his parents make the best of the incessant racket by donning earmuffs , the less creative neighbors ``can't stand the noise.'' For a while the buoyant Max continues to practice undaunted by these concerns, but suddenly he boxes up his instruments, saying, ``I'm not in the mood anymore.'' The neighborhood grows quiet as Max tries different activities, but something seems to be missing. A silent autumn gives way to a quieter winter, and everyone wonders when Max will be moved to play again. One spring day, Max is inspired by a bird's song; the entire music-starved neighborhood helps him unpack his instruments and joins in to form a full orchestra. In this tender and appealing story, vibrant illustrations feature a wonderfully chunky, distinctive cast capable of conveying a complex repertoire of expressions. Ages 3-6. (Aug.)
Details
Reviewed on: 08/01/1990
Genre: Children's
Hardcover - 978-0-671-42825-9
Open Ebook - 1 pages - 978-1-4619-1093-0
Paperback - 978-0-09-991100-5
Paperback - 978-0-671-79250-3