Max and Moonbean

by Rob Scotton, Rob Scotton (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

From the creator of perennial best-seller "Splat the Cat", Rob Scotton, comes an adorable and vividly illustrated story about a shy dog and his best friend, Moonbean, who happens to be a whimsical space creature. "Max and Moonbeam" hits all the right notes for a re-readable story time favorite that's perfect for fans of Elephant and Piggie and Frog and Toad.

Rob Scotton, beloved author of the bestselling Splat the Cat and Russell the Sheep series, returns with Max and Moonbean, the first book in a brand-new picture book series about a timid young dog and his out-of-this-world friend.

It’s the night before the big show-and-tell, and Max isn’t sure what to bring. He’s shy and worried that it will all go all wrong. But when a space creature named Moonbean crashes into his room, Max discovers all he needed was a friend to help him find his confidence.

Heartfelt and whimsically illustrated, Max and Moonbean is an empowering picture book story about friendship, bravery, and daring to dream big from one of the best-selling picture book creators of all-time, Rob Scotton.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062990389
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/30/2023
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	152,137
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Rob Scotton is the bestselling author and illustrator of Russell the Sheep; Russell and the Lost Treasure; Russell’s Christmas Magic; Splat the Cat; Love, Splat; Merry Christmas, Splat; and Scaredy-Cat, Splat! His work can also be found on greeting cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery, and glassware. An honors graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Rob now lives in Rutland, England, with his wife, Liz, who is also an artist. You can visit Rob Scotton online at robscotton.com.

Rob Scotton is the bestselling author and illustrator of Russell the Sheep; Russell and the Lost Treasure; Russell’s Christmas Magic; Splat the Cat; Love, Splat; Merry Christmas, Splat; and Scaredy-Cat, Splat! His work can also be found on greeting cards, ceramics, textiles, prints, stationery, and glassware. An honors graduate of Leicester Polytechnic, Rob now lives in Rutland, England, with his wife, Liz, who is also an artist. You can visit Rob Scotton online at robscotton.com.

Editorial Reviews

04/03/2023

Max, a white anthropomorphized pooch with brown ears and a brown spot over one eye, has always felt like a show-and-tell washout—until now. After a voice suggests that he “dare to see what you can do,” he steps up and relates in rhyming lines his presentation’s unearthly backstory. Digital spreads by Scotton (the Splat the Cat series) display the dimensionality of feature animation as Max recounts the previous night’s close encounter with Moonbean, an entity from the moon whose head resembles an inverted balloon. When Moonbean crash-lands in Max’s closet, the two hit it off, Moonbean communicating with bubble images and Max farting with delight. Celebrating “shy” Max as “a pup of courage,/ clever and kind/ Of impeccable style/ And squeaky behind,” Moonbean further bolsters Max’s confidence, giving him a starring role in an extraterrestrial show-and-tell. The story comes full circle when the two travel back to Earth for Max’s class appearance, where the dog wows his classmates with a galactic-themed bubble show courtesy of his new pal. The power of supportive friendship is summed up in this light, reach-for-the-stars read: “Sometimes it takes a friend to show us/ how amazing we really are.” Ages 4–8. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"Vibrant and detailed digitally created cartoon images add to the magic of this feel-good friendship story that will leave uncertain little ones feeling as bolstered as Max.... An uplifting reminder that sometimes a good friend can help us through the seemingly toughest of hurdles." — Kirkus Reviews

“The power of supportive friendship is summed up in this light, reach-for-the-stars read!” — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2023-02-08
Max overcomes his show-and-tell anxiety.

Max, a white dog with floppy ears and brown spots, is nervous for show and tell—it never seems to go well for him. But this time, a little voice whispers, “Dare to see what you can do.” So Max explains to his canine classmates, in rhyme, how he came up with something to bring to show and tell. As he searched his space-themed bedroom, he was at a loss until a “strange blue thingy” landed in his closet. Using telepathic bubbles, the astronaut told Max that his name was Moonbeam and that he came from the moon. Moonbeam shared moon tales, then asked Max to come to the moon to be his show and tell. At first, Max declined, but after Moonbeam praised Max’s courage and cleverness, the two soared off for an adventure in space. Show and tell on the moon was a hit, and Max asked Moonbeam to be his show and tell. Moonbeam agreed, but at the crucial reveal, the little blue alien isn’t there, although the ending is still spectacular. Moonbeam later explains he was right beside Max, encouraging him as any good friend would. Vibrant and detailed digitally created cartoon images add to the magic of this feel-good friendship story that will leave uncertain little ones feeling as bolstered as Max. Plenty of humor—including a couple of fart jokes—will appeal to kids. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An uplifting reminder that sometimes a good friend can help us through the seemingly toughest of hurdles. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews