Art & Max
on Goodreads (7,192)
What’s inside...
Max and Arthur are best friends who both want to make art. Arthur is an accomplished painter; Max is a beginner. Max's first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind adventure with paints, pastels and pencils, which turn out to have unexpected pitfalls. Heavily influenced by surrealist Salvador Dali, Wiesner has crafted a fascinating story about friendship, creativity and the mysterious place where these two forces meet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Art was feeling when Max started painting in his own way?
How do you think Max's unique style of painting changed the way Art saw his own art?
Why do you think the characters reacted the way they did when unexpected things happened in their artwork?
What did you learn about creativity and self-expression from Max and Art's story?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new and it turned out differently than you expected, like Max’s painting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions and reactions. Validate their perspectives to promote open communication.
Relate the story to real-life situations by asking your child to recall a moment when they tried something different or creative.
Discuss the importance of individuality and creativity, emphasizing that everyone has their own unique style and way of expressing themselves, just like Max.
Use the vibrant illustrations in the book to talk about colors, techniques, and expressions in art, asking your child how they might create their own artwork.
Highlight the evolving friendship between Art and Max to discuss themes of patience, understanding, and support among friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-Expression
Explanation: In 'Art & Max,' Max disrupts Arthur’s traditional painting process, which leads to a series of creative transformations. This encourages readers to see art as a dynamic and transformative process.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves through various forms of art, understanding that there's no single 'right' way to create, and can apply this creativity in problem-solving and other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: Max is initially inexperienced but bravely tries new methods of painting, showing that it’s okay to be a beginner and to experiment.
Real-World Application: This can help children to not fear new activities or experiences, promoting a growth mindset and the courage to step out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Despite the chaotic outcomes of Max’s creative experiments, both characters adapt and respond to unexpected situations, turning them into opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from this to adapt to changes and challenges in their own lives, understanding that sometimes initial setbacks can lead to surprising discoveries.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, the relationship dynamics between Art and Max evolve, showing how they learn from each other and work through conflicts.
Real-World Application: This illustrates the value of cooperation and learning from others, which children can employ in their interactions with peers and in teamwork settings.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Different Perspectives
Explanation: The contrast between Arthur's methodical and precise style and Max's wild and uninhibited approach highlights the value of differing perspectives in art and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of considering and valuing different viewpoints and ways of thinking, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards others.