Maxine
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Maxine, a spirited and curious girl, discovers a magical world right in her backyard. Alongside her loyal animal companions, she sets out to uncover the secrets of the Stone of Wonders. Their journey is filled with magic, laughter, and the power of friendship. In another tale, Maxine thinks she is a dull, ordinary, little bird compared to her forest friends. She wishes she could have what makes them unique so that she will feel special. But when her wishes come true, she learns a lesson about the importance of discovering our gifts and the risk of comparing ourselves to others. This delightful story by Debbie Woodland is truly heart-warming and is accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Rick Richards. It will definitely make a fun addition to any bookshelf.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Maxine felt when she faced challenges? How would you feel in her situation?
Maxine shows great courage throughout the book. Can you think of a time when you were brave like her?
What are some ways Maxine tries to solve her problems? Do you think those were good strategies?
How did Maxine's friends and family help her? Why is it important to have support from others?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give Maxine?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Gently guide the conversation to explore the themes of resilience, support, and problem-solving presented in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could make to enhance creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Maxine shows children the importance of understanding and empathizing with others’ feelings through Maxine’s interactions with her friends.
Real-World Application: Children can use the lesson of empathy in their interactions at school or at play, helping them to build stronger friendships and be more considerate of others’ feelings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Problem-Solving
Explanation: The story demonstrates the value of perseverance as Maxine tackles challenges and finds solutions to problems faced by her and her friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in solving everyday problems they encounter, whether it's completing a difficult school assignment or resolving a disagreement with a sibling.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Maxine uses her imagination to think of unique ways to help her friends, showcasing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination in play, school projects, or while interacting with others, fostering innovative thinking and creative expression.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights the benefits of working together, as Maxine and her friends combine their efforts to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaboration in group activities at school, sports teams, and family endeavors, emphasizing that teamwork often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
Explanation: Maxine demonstrates resilience when things don’t go as planned, and learns to adapt and stay positive.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are part of life and that maintaining a positive attitude and resilience can help them navigate these challenges.