  | That always happens sometimes Author: Frank, Kiley | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Max is not exactly a perfect kid. From sunup through his school day and right until bedtime, he's goofy, disorganized, and generally uncontainable -- much to the frustration of those around him. But when a little enthusiasm and creativity are in order, you can count on Max to save the day!
| Illustrator: | Steele, K-Fai |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (05/01/24)
Booklist (+) (07/01/24)
The Hornbook (00/09/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 07/01/2024 *Starred Review* Max, an adorably chonky, bespectacled kid rocking Crocs and a middle part, is a little bit all over the place. He takes readers through a typical school day, addressing them directly with questions about his own experience: Have you ever wanted to play on everything so badly that the only solution is for your body to explode into a bunch of different pieces, which is impossible to do safely? As his frustrated parents and patient teacher try to keep him on track, Max goes from one scene to the next, effectively describing his hard-to-control body and mind through common sensory moments: eating and drinking, coloring, sitting in class, chewing on erasers. His somewhat chaotic nature is cleverly reflected in Steele's loose, sometimes wobbly linework, and the story's sweet humor in the cartoonish figures. Max is completely charming, and by setting the text in his innocent POV, Frank shows that a child who seems disruptive or inattentive is still sympathetic and may simply be neurodivergent—and delightful. Have you ever abandoned your lunch because you were thinking about having an extra face under your hair like some LEGO figures do? The story ends on a group-project scenario that is only solved through Max's unique, out-of-the-box creativity, reinforcing the message. Relatable for kid readers, nicely nostalgic for adults, and all-around wonderful. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
