Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert started Max’s teaching journey and now he is back for round two with Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert. Stacy McAnulty’s Max is exactly like before. Therefore, if you like the attitude and antics that Max did, then continue the journey with this book. If you did not like Grocery Store Expert, then please stop here.
I was not a fan of Max while in the grocery store and not a fan of his while he plays soccer. Of course, the things he tells you (how to move the worms so they do not get trampled, or the clouds and their shapes or waving to fans because you cannot use your hands in soccer, so you have to do something with them) can be clever. And this is what a more modern, imaginative, typical little kid is apt to do. Soccer fans will get a kick out of Max and his soccer game expertise (after all he has been doing this for three weeks now). However, I do not see his teammates being as forgiving of his modern take on the game.
The adult reader will understand the tongue-in-cheek aspect of what is going on. Therefore, if you like that kind of story, then go for it! You will not be disappointed.
And most people will enjoy the illustrations of Deborah Hocking. They are colorful and tell the story without text needed. But, of course, they compliment each other perfectly. They are with minimal, but perfect amount of details. And over all just nice images.
The great part of McAnulty’s books is, while she has a similar style, not all her books are exactly the same. If you do not like one, try something else. I enjoyed The Dino Files and look forward to picking up her middle reader, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl.