Max's Bunny Business

Indomitable and clever Max once again outsmarts big sister Ruby in a reliably pleasing adventure. Yummy endpapers, overflowing with candy corn, peppermints and other vaguely recognizable sweets, foreshadow Max's triumph, while the efficient text eschews subtleties such as thoughts or transitions, and focuses on action. Wells wastes no words in telling her story: Ruby and her friend Louise set up a lemonade stand to raise money to complete their Fire Angel jewelry sets. Max tries to help, but is too little to do anything right. Dismissed by the girls, he sets up his own business, selling his Halloween candy. As usual, Grandma appears as the deus ex machina; she buys out his candy supply and takes him to the store with his profits to buy the ring the girls have set their sights on. The girls make their money, buy earrings instead and come home happy to drink Max and Grandma's lemonade. The swiftly moving story, enthusiastic characters and enticing candy are rendered in broad, colorful strokes that cannot fail to please the target audience. Ages 3–5. (May)