Max, the Bad-Talking Parrot

I have to disagree with Publisher's remarks as well. I have read this book to countless kindergarten classes and every class has rolled on the floor laughing at Max's rhymes. It is THE most requested read-aloud over and over...of course that is helped by my reading Max's voice in a croaky, parrot-like voice.

Publishers Weekly is very wrong. I finally broke down and purchased my favorite childhood book, and even as I go back and read it, it brings a smile to my face. Max's rhymes are cute and hilarious, and the book does not promote bad language. Basically, the book is about a woman, her parrot Max, and the neighbor Mrs. Goosebump. Max gets upset when he hears his dear friend Mrs. Goosebump say he's ugly, so every time she comes around, he insults her. Max talks only in rhyme, so this is quite cute. Anyway, a theft occurs and Max ends up saving the day-not by his bad-talking but by saying one of his nonbad trademark phrases. This is an adorable book that will make kids laugh (and probably some adults, too). It also teaches great lessons about not jumping to conclusions, how insults hurt others, and how being ugly gets you nowhere.