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Max Found Two Sticks
It was a day when Max didn't feel like talking to anyone. He just sat on his front steps and watched the clouds gather in the sky.
A strong breeze shook the tree in front of his house, and Max saw two heavy twigs fall to the ground.
So begins this story of a young boy's introduction to the joys of making music.
Max picks up the sticks and begins tapping out the rhythms of everything he sees and hears around him...the sound of pigeons startled into flight, of rain against the windows, of distant church bells and the rumble of a subway. And then, when a marching band rounds Max's corner, something wonderful happens.
Brian Pinkney's rhythmic text and lively pictures are certain to get many a child's foot tapping, many a youngster drumming.
A strong breeze shook the tree in front of his house, and Max saw two heavy twigs fall to the ground.
So begins this story of a young boy's introduction to the joys of making music.
Max picks up the sticks and begins tapping out the rhythms of everything he sees and hears around him...the sound of pigeons startled into flight, of rain against the windows, of distant church bells and the rumble of a subway. And then, when a marching band rounds Max's corner, something wonderful happens.
Brian Pinkney's rhythmic text and lively pictures are certain to get many a child's foot tapping, many a youngster drumming.
40 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1994
6 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Brian Pinkney
75 books43 followersBorn in Boston, Massachusetts, (Jerry) Brian Pinkney was raised in an artistic household. "My two brothers and sister and I played musical instruments, and we were always drawing, painting, or building things," the illustrator once recalled of his childhood. While his mother, children's book author Gloria Jean Pinkney, would inspire all her children with a love of reading, it would be his father, illustrator Jerry Pinkney, who would serve as a mentor to young Brian. "I did everything he did," Pinkney would later admit. "My desk was a miniature version of his desk. The paintbrushes and pencils I used were often the ones from his studio that were too old or too small for him to use. I had a paint set like his and a studio like his. Except my studio was a walk-in closet, which made it the perfect size for me."
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/jerry-br...
According to the book back flap, he has played the drums since he was eight years old. He still keeps a set of drumsticks in his studio where, when resting from his illustrations, he sometimes taps out rhythms on the back of his chair.
With his wife, writer Andrea Davis Pinkney, he makes his home in Brooklyn NY.
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/jerry-br...
According to the book back flap, he has played the drums since he was eight years old. He still keeps a set of drumsticks in his studio where, when resting from his illustrations, he sometimes taps out rhythms on the back of his chair.
With his wife, writer Andrea Davis Pinkney, he makes his home in Brooklyn NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 16, 2013
This delightful story revels in the imagination of childhood and the joy of music. As people see Max going around with various items, from sticks to bottles to trash can lids, they wonder what in the world he is doing with them. Max uses them to emulate musical instruments and creates quite a beat! The end is absolutely darling and I very much enjoyed the overall story.
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September 28, 2019On a day that Max doesn't feel like talking, two sticks blow out of a tree on his street and Max begins to drum rhythms from the city all around him. This feel-good story about a boy expressing himself through music is an ode to the rhythms of the city and to the power of music.
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May 28, 2023LFL find that just somehow didn't click with me. Unrated, because I'm sure it's not the book's fault and so I don't want to rate it lower than it deserves.
August 25, 2008
This book clearly takes place in NYC, something my NYC nieces and I really enjoy - seeing Max's dad being a conductor on a train makes them laugh. Seeing the WTC in the background makes me smile and think. And of course the kids up and down the block where we live spend their life sitting on the stoop, just like Max does!
The book makes great connections - each time somebody asks Max what he's doing, he plays the sound of something going on, and in the next panel he's using their bucket, or their hatbox, or their garbage cans to play his next rhythm.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone, particularly anybody who is musically inclined.
One note - the larger edition of this book is better. I got this edition because it was cheaper and in the bookstore, but the pictures end up a little scrunched.
The book makes great connections - each time somebody asks Max what he's doing, he plays the sound of something going on, and in the next panel he's using their bucket, or their hatbox, or their garbage cans to play his next rhythm.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone, particularly anybody who is musically inclined.
One note - the larger edition of this book is better. I got this edition because it was cheaper and in the bookstore, but the pictures end up a little scrunched.
January 28, 2012
Max is not in the mood for talking...instead, he lets music do the talking. He finds two sticks and creates beats by patting on his thighs, tapping a bucket, dumming on a box, and clanging on trash cans. Max intimates sounds from the neighborhood. A marching band makes their way down Max's street and one of the drummers notices Max's musical talents.
Pinkney's usage of onomatopoeias helps the readers to hear the beat of Max's music. The illustrations show the motion of the tapping sticks and the emotion the expressed from Max's dumming and clanging.
Fun book!
Pinkney's usage of onomatopoeias helps the readers to hear the beat of Max's music. The illustrations show the motion of the tapping sticks and the emotion the expressed from Max's dumming and clanging.
Fun book!
January 29, 2024
The intended audience of this book is ages 5-8 years old, and has a grade level of Kindergarten to 3rd grade. The theme of this story is that there are ways to express how you feel without having to use any words. I think this book is a great example of expressing yourself, because some people especially children have a hard time putting their thoughts and feelings into words. Some do this through art, dance, or music. In this story it is music.
June 19, 2011
Hearing Brian read this at the Dublin Literacy Conference was really like watching a performance.
October 21, 2024
I'm writing this review mostly in response to a handful of other reviewers who have commented that Max is "rude" or needs some sort of explanation for not speaking to others:
This is a book about a connection to music, to a beat, to rhythm, and to creative expression - things that do not need words. Max is reveling in the discovery of an ability he previously didn't have (or know he had!), and is exploring what sounds he can make with found objects. I'm not the author and have no insight into their intention but as a I reader I can recognize the beauty of that solitary connection with art/music/creation.
Additionally, I'm the parent of an autistic child who loves this book. Just like Max, he doesn't owe anyone an explanation of why he's not engaging with them while he finds a creative outlet. I add the caveat that I don't think Max was expressly written as an ND/autistic/minimally verbal child and I don't think it's fair to assume he is. BUT I do think kids can - and do - reasonably project their personalities on favorite characters. I can imagine that for many autistic or neurodivergent kids it's extremely comforting to see a character who does not have to speak to be supported and greeted by his community. My son loved Max's creative expression and was eager to find two sticks of his own at the park, and to drum to his heart's content without having to answer anyone's questions about what he's doing.
Also, it has a subway train. Automatic extra star for that.
PS: teachers of neurotypical kids: THIS is a good book if you want to get your students to understand ND classmates. Read it and let them know that you don't need words to have a good time and that just because someone doesn't speak, it doesn't mean they don't have a wild, exciting, meaningful creative spark inside of them.
This is a book about a connection to music, to a beat, to rhythm, and to creative expression - things that do not need words. Max is reveling in the discovery of an ability he previously didn't have (or know he had!), and is exploring what sounds he can make with found objects. I'm not the author and have no insight into their intention but as a I reader I can recognize the beauty of that solitary connection with art/music/creation.
Additionally, I'm the parent of an autistic child who loves this book. Just like Max, he doesn't owe anyone an explanation of why he's not engaging with them while he finds a creative outlet. I add the caveat that I don't think Max was expressly written as an ND/autistic/minimally verbal child and I don't think it's fair to assume he is. BUT I do think kids can - and do - reasonably project their personalities on favorite characters. I can imagine that for many autistic or neurodivergent kids it's extremely comforting to see a character who does not have to speak to be supported and greeted by his community. My son loved Max's creative expression and was eager to find two sticks of his own at the park, and to drum to his heart's content without having to answer anyone's questions about what he's doing.
Also, it has a subway train. Automatic extra star for that.
PS: teachers of neurotypical kids: THIS is a good book if you want to get your students to understand ND classmates. Read it and let them know that you don't need words to have a good time and that just because someone doesn't speak, it doesn't mean they don't have a wild, exciting, meaningful creative spark inside of them.
December 2, 2024
1. "Max Found Two Sticks" by Brian Pinkney is a captivating picture book, perfect for children aged 4 to 8.
2. The story revolves around Max, a young boy who discovers two sticks and begins to explore the world of rhythm around him. As he uses the sticks to tap out beats inspired by the city noise, the bustling activity around him transforms into a symphony of sounds. Key themes in the book include creativity, the power of imagination, and the transformative impact of music on an individual's environment.
3. The book serves as a great resource for encouraging children to appreciate music and find inspiration in their daily lives. Its emphasis on cultural diversity and the simple joy of music aligns well with our library's goal to offer diverse and imaginative stories. In implementing this book in a classroom setting, I would start with a read-aloud session to introduce the story, engaging children by asking them to identify the different sounds Max hears throughout the book. Afterward, I would encourage students to use everyday objects, like pencils or small sticks, to create their rhythms. This activity would not only help them develop a sense of rhythm but also promote creativity. Following this, we would discuss how music makes us feel and the different ways we can create sounds around us.
2. The story revolves around Max, a young boy who discovers two sticks and begins to explore the world of rhythm around him. As he uses the sticks to tap out beats inspired by the city noise, the bustling activity around him transforms into a symphony of sounds. Key themes in the book include creativity, the power of imagination, and the transformative impact of music on an individual's environment.
3. The book serves as a great resource for encouraging children to appreciate music and find inspiration in their daily lives. Its emphasis on cultural diversity and the simple joy of music aligns well with our library's goal to offer diverse and imaginative stories. In implementing this book in a classroom setting, I would start with a read-aloud session to introduce the story, engaging children by asking them to identify the different sounds Max hears throughout the book. Afterward, I would encourage students to use everyday objects, like pencils or small sticks, to create their rhythms. This activity would not only help them develop a sense of rhythm but also promote creativity. Following this, we would discuss how music makes us feel and the different ways we can create sounds around us.
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December 7, 2020Awards- none that i can find
Grade level- 1-3
Summary- On a day where Max does not really feel like talking to anyone, the breeze blows two sticks his way. He starts beating the rhythm to all the noises he hears around him. His gloomy day turns into a celebration of everything around him.
Review- I love this book because it as an African American boy as the main character, which sadly is rare. I also really lke it because even though max was having a bad day, he turns it around using nothing but 2 sticks.
In class uses- I would read this book aloud so young students can understand it is okay to have a bad day, I would follow it up with brainstorming different ways to make our bad days a little better, I would do this by letting them draw a picture of something that makes them happy and writing a sentence to describe it.
Grade level- 1-3
Summary- On a day where Max does not really feel like talking to anyone, the breeze blows two sticks his way. He starts beating the rhythm to all the noises he hears around him. His gloomy day turns into a celebration of everything around him.
Review- I love this book because it as an African American boy as the main character, which sadly is rare. I also really lke it because even though max was having a bad day, he turns it around using nothing but 2 sticks.
In class uses- I would read this book aloud so young students can understand it is okay to have a bad day, I would follow it up with brainstorming different ways to make our bad days a little better, I would do this by letting them draw a picture of something that makes them happy and writing a sentence to describe it.
October 31, 2021
Max Found Two Sticks is a great read for all ages and all students. A young boy does not feel like talking to anyone, so he picks up a pair of drumsticks. He discovers that he loves creating music. This book is perfect addressing the topic of diversity and social justice. The illustrations are incredibly done, Max's shirt almost looks 3D! The drawings look very realistic due to the composition and shading detail. Students can make connections from the book to their own life, and teachers can help students find if they also have a passion for music. Musical chairs can be played while learning about different instruments.
December 5, 2017
Max Found Two Sticks (Paperback)
by Brian Pinkney
a Young boy learns how to expand his pretend play with a new idea every day to allow him to expand his musical ability. Each component relates to another thing in his world, he is appreciated for his musical ability and is give a great providence.
by Brian Pinkney
a Young boy learns how to expand his pretend play with a new idea every day to allow him to expand his musical ability. Each component relates to another thing in his world, he is appreciated for his musical ability and is give a great providence.
June 15, 2023
The illustrations are awesome. The story is great. This is about a little boy who finds two sticks, and then turns them into drums using ingenuity with buckets and bottles, and all sorts of stuff and in the end he is gifted real drumsticks. It’s amazing and it’s set in New York City. I have never seen the train look nicer than in these illustrations.
I would purchase this book.
I would purchase this book.
November 2, 2016
A lot of books try to replicate instrument sounds in the prose. This one doesn't overdo it, and the lyrical writing highlights the rhythms that Max observes. The illustrations are a really unique style.
September 18, 2018
The illustrations are gorgeous and the prose is superb. There have been plenty of times when I didn't feel like speaking to anyone and I wish I could tap out a few beats in order to share my feelings, like Max does in this picture book.
December 31, 2019
Two sticks fallen from a tree capture the sound of the city for this young imaginative child who begins to experience a love of drumming. African American author/illustrator 's lines convey a dynamic energy and pulse that fit the story.
August 13, 2017
music and silence
young boy's experience of creativity and drumming
young boy's experience of creativity and drumming
November 18, 2017
Beautiful illustrations! It made me miss Reading Rainbow.
August 2, 2018
A young boy finds two sticks and begins to make drums out of everything around him. Imagtitve and creative. preschool and up for length
November 1, 2018
Very well written and illustrated book about a boy named max who likes to drum. He started off with two sticks but then a band marched past him and gave him a new set of drum sticks.
November 20, 2018
So so illustrations. I like the writting though.
July 10, 2019
Love the satisfying build and rewarding end to this picture book. The illustration style is fun and timeless. Great re-readability!
February 1, 2020
Max uses sticks to make a rhythm that matches all the events in the neighborhood. 3.5 stars
#kidsofcolor
#urbansetting
#momanddad
#kidsofcolor
#urbansetting
#momanddad
March 15, 2020
I read this book and had an understanding of how story books with beautiful arts,pictures,graphics, etc are so interesting.
Your Reader Caleb Asamoah.
Thank you.
Your Reader Caleb Asamoah.
Thank you.
January 19, 2021
Children's. Max finds two sticks and starts making music with them. Brian Pinkney's wonderful pictures.
May 17, 2022
His illustrations are truly beyond compare.
November 15, 2022
I love all the rhythms of the drums and the creative ways Max finds to play them. Lovingly illustrated as always!
July 28, 2023
Captures how music can get under your skin, and lead to innovation.
May inspire drumming.
May inspire drumming.
September 6, 2023
The idea seemed neat, but it could have been written much better. Plus, the boy was either rude or the reader needed an explanation (such as, he was non-verbal) or something.
September 13, 2023
This was a big hit in storytime. We practiced drumming on our laps along with Max, and the kids liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews