Ooh-la-la: Max in Love
By Maira Kalman
The Story
A millionaire dog-poet arrives in Paris and is swept up by dazzling characters like Fritz from the Ritz and Pierre Potpurri, but something — namely love — still eludes him.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves wordplay and wonders what it would be like to visit Paris, Max's froufrou adventure is a giddy, rhyme-drunk escape.
- Big idea: Success and money are wonderful, but they're not the same as love — the heart wants what it wants, millions or not.
- Vibes: Whimsical, playful, and stuffed with puns — a springtime Parisian daydream.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love silly names and wordplay
- enjoy stories with a big cast of colorful characters
- are curious about faraway places like Paris
- respond well to poetic, rhythmic language read aloud
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & characters: Which of Max's new Parisian friends — Fritz from the Ritz, Madame Camembert, or Pierre Potpurri — would you most want to meet?
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think Max feels like something is missing even though he has millions and everyone adores him?
- Imagination: If you got to visit Paris like Max, what would you want to see first?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a time you had lots of fun things but still wished for something else, like a friend to share it with?
