Max the Brave

If only Max the kitten knew what a mouse looked like, he’d be sure to chase it. Max is a fearless kitten. He will not wear ribbons. He is not sweet. He is Max the Brave and Max the Brave chases mice! And so he sets out to meet one. Everyone claims to have just seen Mouse, until Mouse himself introduces himself as Monster and shows him the way to meet “Mouse”. Max is still feeling brave but “Mouse” is much bigger than he was expecting. A sticky surprise and Max quickly learns his lesson – and anyway, no one needs to be brave every day!

Ed Vere is the king of colour in contemporary picture books and Max the Brave is another showcase of delights. Little Max is adorable (sorry, Max!) and as he leaps about the pages we meet another selection of cute critters. The inclusion of a familiar monster is a brilliant surprise. This swift little story will surely demand a repeat performance – perhaps Max will be braver next time?