Max Explains Everything (Stacy McAnulty)

Max Explains Everything is a budding series by author Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Deborah Hocking. Two books have been published so far:  Max Explains Everything: Grocery Story Expert and Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert.  There is a lot to love about this character and series.

Max is confident.  From the grocery story to the soccer field,  he considers himself an expert.  He illustrates that confidence can come from participation and enthusiasm in everyday experiences. 

Connect his experiences to similar ones children in your home or classroom have had.  Then, allow kids to create their own “expert” stories based on their similar or different events. 

Max is funny.  His boisterous personality is sure to make kids laugh—whether he is hiding to avoid going to the store, faking an injury, or trying to convince his mother to buy something.  Most of the laughs come from hyperbole and irony.  For example, the grocery store has 8000 aisles, and his shin guards are “battle armor on [his] legs”  (hyperbole).   Max “helps out” the soccer team by getting rid of distractions like dandelions.  In reality, he is laying in the middle of the field blowing on one as the ball wizzes past.  In Grocery Store Expert, he informs his audience that “everything tastes better when served on a toothpick.”  However, his face and body language tell a different tale as he is being offered a sushi sample! 

Define (or review) and discuss examples of hyperbole and irony in the stories.   Talk about why the author used these literary tools. 

Max is optimistic.  Even when he does not get his way, he stays positive.  For instance, him mom decides to buy two boxes of Whole Wheat Healthy Oats—instead of one of his preferred cereals.  No worries.  He remains hopeful he will get his favorite treat (cookies).   She denies that request too, but eventually he sneaks in a candy bar.  In Soccer Expert, Max is more interested in interacting with people and nature than playing the game.  As a result, he misses multiple chances to kick the ball.  As he says goodbye to his coach and team mates, he says, “Can’t wait to kick the ball again next week.” 

Point out how being optimistic—even when things didn’t go as he planned—gave him confidence and created a positive atmosphere.  Discuss ways to stay positive in disappointing or difficult circumstances.

Max is creative and imaginative.  In Soccer Expert, his mom wants to take his picture—kicking the ball.  Max has a different idea.  He poses smiling (as someone kicks the ball behind him). He gives a “serious” look (as a teammate heads the ball).  His “team” picture is of him showing jazz hands as the rest of the team is in the distance playing.  In Grocery Store Expert, he uses his imagination to attempt to convince his mom to buy something from the bakery.  He tells her it is Llama Appreciate Day, so they need a cake, and Boys Named Max Day, so they need donuts.  Then, he tries to trick her by saying it is Opposite Day, so they must get cupcakes. 

Encourage children to imaginatively respond to a situation—from the book or their own experience.  They can act it out, draw it, or describe it. 

Hocking’s gouache and colored pencil drawings are a delight!  Max’s exuberant personality spills off the pages.  Shifting perspectives add to the text and characterization.  For instance, an exaggerated wall of cereal illustrates the daunting tasking of picking the “right one” because the “fate of breakfast” is at stake.  In a later scene, only the top of his head is shown as he peeks at the various delicious baked goods.  This sheepish appearance is an attempt to convince his mom to buy one of the treats.  Parallel experiences are also shown.  As the rest of the team runs in a single file line warming up, Max stretches, twirls, and somersaults his way into preparation for the big game. 

McAnulty and Hocking have created an endearing and hilarious character that youngsters are sure to connect with.  Check this books out!

Max, kid-expert extraordinaire, will be back in 2020 with Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert.

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