Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show

PreS-Gr 1—Young Max is a magician and quite a showman. This particular night, he is performing "his world-famous and death-defying PUTTING OFF BEDTIME FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE SHOW!" First, he makes his cup of milk and single cookie disappear extremely slowly, followed by taming a savage beast (the sedentary family dog), before being led up the stairs of doom. Next up is the "great disappearing boy trick," and other stall tactics such as dramatic and protracted teeth brushing, donning of pajamas, choosing his stuffed sleeping companions, and asking for 10 stories ("His mom says she'll read two.") As the lights dim, and the performer drifts off, readers are left to just imagine what tricks he is dreaming up for the new day. Told with all the verve and hyperbole of a Big Top ringleader, the high-octane story is sure to delight young listeners and even make weary parents crack a smile or two. Warburton's exuberant and colorful cartoon illustrations match the magician's energetic performance to a tee and include clever and fun typography and circuslike detail. Through it all, Max is an irresistible charmer. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, do try this act at home.—Luann Toth, School Library Journal