We only recently discovered [a:Rosemary Wells'|3105|Rosemary Wells|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1242752943p2/3105.jpg] Max and Ruby, and have been slowly making our way through the books. And each new book instantly becomes my son's new favorite book. Max is adorable too, he just so epitomizes the toddler, coming across as more "real" than the real thing. MY personal favorite so far is [b:Bunny Cakes|58929|Bunny Cakes|Rosemary Wells|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348569526s/58929.jpg|2169069], followed closely by [b:Max Cleans Up|581090|Max Cleans Up|Rosemary Wells|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1309213235s/581090.jpg|567983].
Ah, how frustrating must it be not to be able express oneself with spoken words, let alone in writing. When Max sets his heart on something however, he sticks to it, and in Bunny Mail, just as in Bunny Cakes, ultimately manages to get his message across. It's hilariously funny and cute, and somehow doesn't get old no matter how many time you read it ... ( )

While Ruby plans a Fourth of July doll picnic, Max sends letters to Santa to ask for "a bright red sand-spitter motorcycle with Bigfoot tires," but the letters are delivered to his grandmother instead, and she must try to decipher the pictures. Includes lift-up flaps. ( )

Age Appropriateness: Primary
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Watercolor
Characterization: Max, the main character, is very persistent in his pursuits of Santa bringing him a special toy throughout the story and a little sad when it doesn't not happen instantly. He is convinced that if he writes to Santa enough, he will get what he wants, but the mailman gave Max's letters to his Grandma and she actually gave him the toy, so then he is excited by the end of it. The reader learns a lot about Max by reading his actions and examining the pictures, so he is a dynamic and round character. Because the characters in this story are all animals taking on human characteristics, this is a good example of fantasy.
Review: Max learns part of writing a letter and sending through this story. ( )

The girlchild is well past the age of reading these books, but I still like them. Max and Ruby always make me laugh out loud.