Max's Toys (Max and Ruby)

In this first counting book, Max trades his house with 2 chimneys, 3 soldiers, 4 bears, and all the rest of his toys for Ruby's 1 lovely doll, Emily. A fair exchange! Rosemary Wells's original four Max Board Books, published in 1979 by Dial and followed by an additional four in 1985, were the first high-quality board books in the U.S. and became immediate classics. Total sales of the eight books were over 1.2 million! But more important, they have been loved by millions of children. For the next generation Rosemary Wells has now completely re-illustrated all eight delightful Max books in her bold, new full-color style. These wonderful stories with real characters are funnier than ever. They are terrific first books, especially with the increased focus on the importance of reading to babies and toddlers, a cause that Mrs. Wells has been wholeheartedly promoting for several years with her The Most Important 20 Minutes of Your Day reading program and now the Prescription for Reading Initiative.

Max is an irresistibly cute but persistent little bunny who wants what he wants when he wants it--any parent with an active toddler will relate. And like most little kids, Max thinks the grass is always greener on the other side; to be more precise, he's sure the toy someone else is playing with is much more interesting. Max's interaction du jour is with his older sister, Ruby, who has a particularly attractive doll. Of course, Max wants that doll and will go to any lengths to get it. Who do you think will win this one? A funny tale of how children give and take in play, Max's Toys doubles as a first counting book: the doll is the one thing Ruby won't part with, and all Max has to barter is a house with two chimneys, three soldiers, four bears, and so on. Measuring 7 inches square, this colorful, sturdy board book is easy for small children to handle. Rosemary Wells's delightful Max books are virtually guaranteed to please the little Max in your life. (Baby to preschool) --Marianne Painter