Max's First Word

This is a wonderful book. Wells is brilliant at getting across a funny, witty story in so few words. This is the first book that made my baby daughter laugh! (My sound effects--I bang the book when I say "bang"--no doubt help!) I choose this book a lot for other babies and toddlers.

Ruby and Max's interactions are so simply stated, yet so representative of sibling and even parent/child relationships. Rosemary Wells makes me react (in this case, laugh) along with my child as we read about Ruby and Max's conversations and adventures. I consider that a sign of a good children's book....a truly shared experience.In this particular book, the readers get a great perspective on Max, whose usual, simple verbalizations are evident (his one and only word is BANG!) but also made evident are the wheels that are constantly turning in his brain, when he, without prompt, comes out with "Delicious!" after biting into an apple. A good reminder that even our littlest ones are watching and learning even before they are talking.Another short, simple, sweet Max and Ruby book to share with your child.

This is absolutely my son's favorite book, and has been since he was about 11 months old. He will sort through all of his books, pick this one, and come toddling over to me-grinning from ear to ear-and sit down in my lap to have it read to him. The fun of it is, its particular brand of humor has not gotten old for me, either.We have introduced the book to several friends and their children. The adults have all become Rosemary Wells addicts (like us) and the children always drag it out to hear it, asking "Bang? Bang?" I respect Wells' books because she is able to write stories simple enough for infants and toddlers to enjoy, full of clear pictures, that can still make parents laugh every time, too.

There isn't a Max book for every occasion, and I hope there never will be. Max and his older sister Ruby are too much like real siblings to ever get stuck in the formulaic series rut. In fact, Ruby and Max are so much like my two oldest kids that I use the Max books to help my son deal with the frustrations of being the "little brother."In one of the first books, Ruby is trying to expand toddler Max's vocabulary. He knows one word -- BANG -- and uses it often, with accompanying gestures. Ruby shows Max a cup. "Say CUP," she commands. "Bang," he replies. She shows him a pot, a broom, and egg, naming each item. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. He's still not catching on and now there's raw egg all over the floor.Exasperated, Ruby helps Max into his high chair and shows him an apple, "Say APPLE, Max. YUM YUM, Max. Say YUM YUM."Max takes a bite of the apple, then holds it aloft and repeats the new word he's learned. "DELICIOUS!"The Max board books are great for babies and toddlers. If your kids are older, check out the picture books, which are even better than the board books.

Max's First Word is my 10 months old son's favorite book. He yells to hear it over and over. It's short enough to keep his attention and we act out the voices of Max and his sister Ruby. We all (baby, mommy, and grandma) love it.