What do you think?
Rate this book
Max
Max the Brave
This is Max. Max the Brave, Max the Fearless, Max the Mouse-catcher...But, in order to be a Mouse-catcher, Max needs to know what a mouse is, so off he goes to find out.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2014
About the author
Ed Vere
36 books67 followersEd Vere is a British writer and illustrator of children's books. He won the Highland Children's Book Award in 2007 for his book, The Getaway and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal for children's book illustration, recognizing his 2008 picture book Banana.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
October 21, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
This is Max. Max the Brave who wants to prove himself by catching a mouse... only he doesn't know what a mouse looks like, so off he goes to find out. As he goes he asks if the animal is a mouse and each time is told no, until...
I heard a lot about this book and loved the idea of the drawings! I wasn't disappointed though I found it quite odd that he doesn't know what a mouse is as it should be instinctual to know... or you should at least ASK questions about what a mouse looks like! (Which he never did!)
This is a total nonsense book but one where you can interpret parts of the story into a discussion with a child... not a bad thing but there are better ways to supply a message subtly. (One such discussion could be about asking questions when you don't have enough information and another may be about who we can trust to gain information from.)
BUT I did ADORE the art! I love the heavily color blocked graphic nature of the illustrations... My nephew and I both did! He quite enjoyed the simple language and the funny questions about whether they are a mouse, especially when Max asks a mouse and is told no, the mouse is not a mouse...
This is fun but not to buy... the library is a great place to get books like this...
BOTTOM LINE: Clueless Max...
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
This is Max. Max the Brave who wants to prove himself by catching a mouse... only he doesn't know what a mouse looks like, so off he goes to find out. As he goes he asks if the animal is a mouse and each time is told no, until...
I heard a lot about this book and loved the idea of the drawings! I wasn't disappointed though I found it quite odd that he doesn't know what a mouse is as it should be instinctual to know... or you should at least ASK questions about what a mouse looks like! (Which he never did!)
This is a total nonsense book but one where you can interpret parts of the story into a discussion with a child... not a bad thing but there are better ways to supply a message subtly. (One such discussion could be about asking questions when you don't have enough information and another may be about who we can trust to gain information from.)
BUT I did ADORE the art! I love the heavily color blocked graphic nature of the illustrations... My nephew and I both did! He quite enjoyed the simple language and the funny questions about whether they are a mouse, especially when Max asks a mouse and is told no, the mouse is not a mouse...
This is fun but not to buy... the library is a great place to get books like this...
BOTTOM LINE: Clueless Max...
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
April 2, 2015
Thank you NetGalley for awarding me to read this cute little book.
Max is an adorable little kitten. The pictures are charming. Something I would have loved to learn reading with, I used to tell stories from pictures before I could read words, then I would remember the words that others had read to me and tell that story.
I recommend Max the brave for all the tiny learning to read children
Max is an adorable little kitten. The pictures are charming. Something I would have loved to learn reading with, I used to tell stories from pictures before I could read words, then I would remember the words that others had read to me and tell that story.
I recommend Max the brave for all the tiny learning to read children
July 15, 2015
Cute book. I have to agree it's a little bit of "Are you my mother?" Max is a cat that is tired of being thought of as cute. He wants to bravely stalk and chase a mouse, but he has no idea what a mouse looks like. We follow Max on his quest to find and catch a mouse. I really loved Max's expressions.
The only mild complaint I have is that most of the kids this is written for won't know what the phrase, "not all it's cracked up to be" means. I had to stop and explain to my five year old what that meant. I generally don't mind teaching my kids new terms and phrases, but this one felt out of place for the audience.
Thank you Netgalley and Puffin Books for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The only mild complaint I have is that most of the kids this is written for won't know what the phrase, "not all it's cracked up to be" means. I had to stop and explain to my five year old what that meant. I generally don't mind teaching my kids new terms and phrases, but this one felt out of place for the audience.
Thank you Netgalley and Puffin Books for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
Max is a brave, determined kitten. A kitten who wants to chase mice, but he has one itty bitty problem. He doesn’t know what a mouse looks like. So he sets out to find one! From elephants to monsters, Max asks them all if they're a mouse or if they know where to find one. Can Max find what he’s looking for in the answers and silliness?
I loved these colorful pages! Colors jump out at you as you flip and fan through. Max’s black coat really stands out against the solid backgrounds of color—red, yellow, blue, and green pages pull readers in with brightness and cheer.
A fun read. Max will inspire young readers to keep looking for what they want. Keep looking!
February 1, 2016
This is the story of Max, a very brave kitten, who is so so adorable! (^.^)
Max also happens to be a mouse-catcher. There's a small problem, however. Max does not know what a mouse looks like! :|
But Max will not let sth this trivial deter him. He goes around asking everybody he runs into if they're a mouse!
Although this image is quite tiny, I found this particular illustration where he climbs a tree full of birds to inquire abt mice esp cute! (Yes, birds make me swoon!)
Eventually he runs into someone and asks them if they've seen a mouse around and..
Oh, well!
Anyway, it has a funny twist towards the end! :D
But the funniest thing is that I had received an ARC for this book last year but never got around to reading it and it expired.
But a couple of weeks back when I was in Landmark bookstore, I found a copy of this book and went through it while my mum was busy doing some crazy stationery shopping! :D
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to read it and I found it quite amoosing. And I'm sure this sentiment will be shared by anybody who reads it!
Oh, well! Never mind! :|
Max also happens to be a mouse-catcher. There's a small problem, however. Max does not know what a mouse looks like! :|
But Max will not let sth this trivial deter him. He goes around asking everybody he runs into if they're a mouse!
Although this image is quite tiny, I found this particular illustration where he climbs a tree full of birds to inquire abt mice esp cute! (Yes, birds make me swoon!)
Eventually he runs into someone and asks them if they've seen a mouse around and..
Oh, well!
Anyway, it has a funny twist towards the end! :D
But the funniest thing is that I had received an ARC for this book last year but never got around to reading it and it expired.
But a couple of weeks back when I was in Landmark bookstore, I found a copy of this book and went through it while my mum was busy doing some crazy stationery shopping! :D
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to read it and I found it quite amoosing. And I'm sure this sentiment will be shared by anybody who reads it!
Oh, well! Never mind! :|
March 26, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Max is a cute kitten that has one job: to figure out what a mouse is and chase it. This darling book is all about that. You try to fool him, and you might, and he'll get around it.
Belly laughs all around from my group today.
Max is a cute kitten that has one job: to figure out what a mouse is and chase it. This darling book is all about that. You try to fool him, and you might, and he'll get around it.
Belly laughs all around from my group today.
May 4, 2021
Max will show everyone that he's NOT a cat to be dressed up in bows by catching a mouse.
Now if only he can figure out just what a mouse looks like . . . he'll be in business.
Cute illustrations by the author.
Now if only he can figure out just what a mouse looks like . . . he'll be in business.
Cute illustrations by the author.
January 3, 2016
Max is a kitten. Max knows he is a brave hunter of mice. Now if only he knew what a mouse was, so he could chase it...
I love the story, and can't wait to share it with my toddler!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the story, and can't wait to share it with my toddler!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2018
THE BEST BABY BOOK. My precious Max. <3 As the owner of a black kitten, I can attest to the adorableness of this book. :)
May 5, 2019
This is a great book about Max, who is a very brave kitten. I personally would give it 4 stars (1 star off because it basically follows the "are you my mummy?" format, but in a stealthily remixed way) but from my son's response giving less than 5 stars is not an option.
It's a hit! There's one particular part (no spoilers here - but there's one almost black page, followed by a very colourful couple of pages) that my wee guy loves to read again and again, with excellent opportunities for fun sound effects. The art is great, the story is nice and Max is a cute and brave kitten. Good stuff all round.
It's a hit! There's one particular part (no spoilers here - but there's one almost black page, followed by a very colourful couple of pages) that my wee guy loves to read again and again, with excellent opportunities for fun sound effects. The art is great, the story is nice and Max is a cute and brave kitten. Good stuff all round.
October 1, 2022
After Pinocchio, this is the most often read bedtime story for my son. He really likes it. Funny story and cute drawings.
August 12, 2015
I don't read picture books very often, but Max the Brave makes me want to change that.
This book is absolutely adorable and my goddaughter (Rory the Brave) is going to love it when she gets it for Christmas.
Max is the best mouse-catcher ever---or would be, if he knew what a mouse was. He tries to learn more about what mice are and how they look, but not everyone is as forthcoming as he would like.
This book is a complete delight from the text to the pictures to the perfection that is Max (the brave).
Highly recommended.
This book is absolutely adorable and my goddaughter (Rory the Brave) is going to love it when she gets it for Christmas.
Max is the best mouse-catcher ever---or would be, if he knew what a mouse was. He tries to learn more about what mice are and how they look, but not everyone is as forthcoming as he would like.
This book is a complete delight from the text to the pictures to the perfection that is Max (the brave).
Highly recommended.
August 2, 2015
This ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher.
simple pictures, simple story, but very cute and funny. My boy had a good laugh at Max being brave and chasing “monsters”.
simple pictures, simple story, but very cute and funny. My boy had a good laugh at Max being brave and chasing “monsters”.
March 25, 2020
Determined to be heroic, rather than sweet, Max the kitten goes in search of a mouse to hunt, since hunting mice is what brave cats do. Not sure just what a mouse looks like, Max interrogates a number of creatures, asking each one whether they are a mouse. When he finally does meet a mouse, that enterprising little creature assures him that he is a monster, and that the mouse Max is looking for is actually the sleeping monster nearby...
An amusing tale of a kitten's search for the correct way to be (as well as a clever mouse's misdirection) Max the Brave will appeal to young children who will enjoy being "in the know,' when it comes to the titular feline hero's attempts to discover just what a mouse looks like. The illustrations, which look like they might be some sort of wood or block print (not sure about the medium - I really wish publishers always provided that information on the colophon!), is colorful and appealing, reminding me a bit of Chris Haughton and Zachariah Ohora's work. Recommended to younger children who love cats, or to anyone looking for humorous picture-books with a super-hero and/or feline theme.
An amusing tale of a kitten's search for the correct way to be (as well as a clever mouse's misdirection) Max the Brave will appeal to young children who will enjoy being "in the know,' when it comes to the titular feline hero's attempts to discover just what a mouse looks like. The illustrations, which look like they might be some sort of wood or block print (not sure about the medium - I really wish publishers always provided that information on the colophon!), is colorful and appealing, reminding me a bit of Chris Haughton and Zachariah Ohora's work. Recommended to younger children who love cats, or to anyone looking for humorous picture-books with a super-hero and/or feline theme.
September 23, 2020
I’ve not had the pleasure of reading any of the Max books until this week. This is such a great series for allowing the reader to know and understand something that the main character does not. It will get children giggling since they know exactly who Mouse is, even when Max overlooks Mouse. The artwork is very simplistic, but quite expressive and funny.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
September 15, 2015
Please note that this is a dual review with F.
Is anyone ever to old for a children's novel? Well, we think not! Too often we get caught up and frazzled in our busy lives, and we just need something simple and cute to read to get us feeling normal again. Reading Max the Brave took us back to our roots, when years ago we first started to read and beg our parents to come and tell us just one more bedtime story. We felt like children again, and we loved it, to say the least!!!
The story depicts the endearing adventure of a young kitten that was as enjoyable as Max was cute! The talented Ed Vere uses colorful and direct illustrations to portray a wonderful tail (pun intended) and eye catching scenes! As he goes from creature to creature, Max shows the readers that no question is too dumb or unworthy of being asked, let alone answered. The laugh out loud moments were precious and the outcome was deeply enjoyable. If you enjoyed the plots of Are You My Mother or I Want My Hat Back, or even just loved the cuteness in Oliver and His Egg, then this is a must read for you.
Max demonstrated that curiosity is normal to have and that we don't always have every single answer. This led to a genuinely amusing book that is sure to grab the attention of young readers and entertain the entire family all at once! Children are sure to follow along, fully engrossed as they wait to see if Max finally finds that darn mouse.
Please note that we received a free copy of this book as a result of a blog tour. However, this in no way influenced our rating or review.
See reviews like this and more at:
Is anyone ever to old for a children's novel? Well, we think not! Too often we get caught up and frazzled in our busy lives, and we just need something simple and cute to read to get us feeling normal again. Reading Max the Brave took us back to our roots, when years ago we first started to read and beg our parents to come and tell us just one more bedtime story. We felt like children again, and we loved it, to say the least!!!
The story depicts the endearing adventure of a young kitten that was as enjoyable as Max was cute! The talented Ed Vere uses colorful and direct illustrations to portray a wonderful tail (pun intended) and eye catching scenes! As he goes from creature to creature, Max shows the readers that no question is too dumb or unworthy of being asked, let alone answered. The laugh out loud moments were precious and the outcome was deeply enjoyable. If you enjoyed the plots of Are You My Mother or I Want My Hat Back, or even just loved the cuteness in Oliver and His Egg, then this is a must read for you.
Max demonstrated that curiosity is normal to have and that we don't always have every single answer. This led to a genuinely amusing book that is sure to grab the attention of young readers and entertain the entire family all at once! Children are sure to follow along, fully engrossed as they wait to see if Max finally finds that darn mouse.
Please note that we received a free copy of this book as a result of a blog tour. However, this in no way influenced our rating or review.
See reviews like this and more at:
November 19, 2018
Max is such a cute little kitten that people call him sweet and dress him up in ribbons. But he hates ribbons, and he doesn’t want to be sweet! He sees himself as a brave and courageous mouse catcher. There’s only one problem: he doesn’t know what a mouse looks like. He searches high and low and asks the birds, the fly, and the elephant if they are mice. Finally, he finds someone who maybe be able to help--or maybe his ally has ulterior motives. When Max finally confronts the monster, he realizes that being Max the Brave may not be as great as he thought.
Max the Brave has adorable illustrations and a fun read-aloud story that will have young readers laughing and coming back for more. It reminds me of I Want My Hat Back. In both books, the main characters go on a quest and ask other animals for help, finding that not everyone is motivated to tell the truth. Max the Brave could help initiate a discussion of how to tell if someone is trustworthy and about being careful what you wish for.
...aka darzy... | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Max the Brave has adorable illustrations and a fun read-aloud story that will have young readers laughing and coming back for more. It reminds me of I Want My Hat Back. In both books, the main characters go on a quest and ask other animals for help, finding that not everyone is motivated to tell the truth. Max the Brave could help initiate a discussion of how to tell if someone is trustworthy and about being careful what you wish for.
...aka darzy... | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
June 21, 2015
(Read this review and more at Pretty Bookmarks)
I loved Max the Brave.
I’m always on the lookout for children’s books for my younger sister and trying to get her to be more interested in books. Max the Brave was perfect.
In some ways, Max the Brave was very interactive. Max is a cat who is trying to be more brave and catch a mouse — the thing is, he doesn’t know what a mouse looks like. So off we go following Max and his journey to look for a mouse. He travels, meeting an array of different animals, big and small, in his hunt to catch a mouse.
Max is always asking: are you a mouse? Which really gets the interactive part going. My sister is consistently responding to the book, yelling out answers — which is when I know a book is great for kids and for use in class. It also gets a discussion going: is Max brave?
The story that Max the Brave tells is so simple. Yet, it is so interactive and enabled me to have a lovely discussion with my sister about bravery and animals. I love it so much that I’m considering borrowing a copy from my local library to bring it into my classroom for my students to enjoy.
Definitely recommend Max the Brave for the younger ones — and would definitely be great in the classroom!
I loved Max the Brave.
I’m always on the lookout for children’s books for my younger sister and trying to get her to be more interested in books. Max the Brave was perfect.
In some ways, Max the Brave was very interactive. Max is a cat who is trying to be more brave and catch a mouse — the thing is, he doesn’t know what a mouse looks like. So off we go following Max and his journey to look for a mouse. He travels, meeting an array of different animals, big and small, in his hunt to catch a mouse.
Max is always asking: are you a mouse? Which really gets the interactive part going. My sister is consistently responding to the book, yelling out answers — which is when I know a book is great for kids and for use in class. It also gets a discussion going: is Max brave?
The story that Max the Brave tells is so simple. Yet, it is so interactive and enabled me to have a lovely discussion with my sister about bravery and animals. I love it so much that I’m considering borrowing a copy from my local library to bring it into my classroom for my students to enjoy.
Definitely recommend Max the Brave for the younger ones — and would definitely be great in the classroom!
October 9, 2015
Max is a very cute kitten, sometimes people put bows on him – which he doesn’t like. Because he’s a brave kitten that chases mice, or he will. Once he finds a mouse.
Loved this book, from the drawings and text to the story. It’s just wonderful. I can imagine it would captivate young readers being read to, as well as those learning to read. There is so much personality in Max.
Loved this book, from the drawings and text to the story. It’s just wonderful. I can imagine it would captivate young readers being read to, as well as those learning to read. There is so much personality in Max.
November 9, 2015
This is so adorable. Max the kitten is very brave and goes on an adventure to find a mouse to chase. Colors are spectacular, vibrant and bold. Story is adorable and engaging. Five stars. Adding this to my list to buy for our home library.
May 16, 2015
Kids will delight in knowing more than Max and in the monster.
August 27, 2015
Max is a kitten who is certain of his outstanding mouse-catching abilities. He's just not sure what a mouse looks like. Simple, charming, and fun.
August 21, 2023
It wasn't that great , I can't even remember what it's about😂😂😂
November 14, 2017
Adorable and sweet without saccharine. Bold, simple pictures and a simple story give this potential for story time, and kids will enjoy identifying the othe animals as Max the kitten tries to figure out which one is a mouse. A winner.
P.S. I bought this fearlessly because I adored Vere's book Banana, which I fear is now out of print. Here's hoping the success of the Max books encourages a reprint, because the copies at my library are falling apart!
P.S. I bought this fearlessly because I adored Vere's book Banana, which I fear is now out of print. Here's hoping the success of the Max books encourages a reprint, because the copies at my library are falling apart!
January 31, 2018
Max is a brave little kitten looking to murder a mouse. He's ready to do some real damage--by which I mean death--to this mouse, too. Unfortunately for Max, he lives in a place where elephants are more common than mice, apparently. And monsters.
Still--that won't stop Max the Brave from murdering who he wants!
Still--that won't stop Max the Brave from murdering who he wants!
April 10, 2017
Max is intent to catch a mouse if only he knew what mice looked like. A fun story.
July 12, 2017
Super adorable. Gave me a nice little pick me up on a rainy day. Kitten adventures are always fun for all ages.
November 6, 2018
This is one of my 2 y/o's favorite stories. He laughs and laughs at the end. We read it a couple times a week!
Read
March 3, 2023If you like cats, this could be cute 😽.
It’s a silly and nonsensical.
It’s a silly and nonsensical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews