Max & Ruby's Storybook Treasury (Max and Ruby) by Grosset & Dunlap (2012) Hardcover

Max and Ruby

by Rosemary Wells

Too many cupcakes are Max's idea of heaven, but his big sister, Ruby, doesn't agree. To cure Max's sweet tooth, Ruby reads him the story of King Midas. Her version tells of Little Prince Midas, who learns how to vaporize the nutritious meals that his loving family prepares for him. Just don't get in the way of his laser-beam eyes! Watercolor illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mythology, Greek Mythology, Juvenile

Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I originally got this story to be helpful with picky eaters, it didn’t actually teach a lesson specifically aimed at that. Sure Midas wants broccoli in the end instead of a hot fudge sundae, but it’s not because he learned that all the sweet food he was wishing for was too much (giving him a tummy ache or cavities or whatnot) or that he was missing the fuel-filled foods his family had been offering after eating just sweets. No, he got upset and stopped asking for sweets because he kept accidentally turning his family into desserts! So instead of a lesson about how we need fuel filled foods in addition to desserts, we learn that perhaps we need to be more careful when we try to get our way or there might be collateral damage!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. The message (too much of a good thing can be bad) is sound, but the execution is awful. The illustrations are creepy (Max turns everything to dessert with his laser beam eyes that just look like they're bleeding). The text is trite and there's no real remorse for anything bad Max does. Honestly, the book is just blah.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby reads Max a story about "someone whose sweet tooth got out of control."

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Time Machine
Max and Ruby's Midas Misses the Point, February 1, 2005

Up until now I thought I liked all of Rosemary Wells' stories... but Midas is simply awful. Not only is some of the artwork gruesome, but the story fails to deliver anything close to the original message of how gold (or make-substitution-here) is not the end-all of life.

In Well's version, Ruby tells her little brother about an 'ancient' Max (Midas), who instead of turning everything into gold with a touch, turns everyone into dessert with his laser eyes. Mom is zapped. Dad is zapped, and there is no sign of regret until sister is changed into a slice of cake. Then, without explanation, there is a sudden change of heart. (I guess one can only conclude that it was okay to zap mom and dad but not sis.)

The text is not the only problem though. The pictures of Max and his blood-red eyes are strange. Supposedly laser light, the emanations stream down in arches, not in straight lines. It looks more like Max is leaking blood from his eyes. Yeech.

Can't recommend it.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: PB22

Cute story by Rosemary Wells that brings in her best bunny characters into Greek mythology. The story makes Greek mythology easier to young readers to understand in a silly and fun way. The illustrations are artfully drawn into clean boxes that add to the story and enhance what is told in the storyline. Enjoyable for school age children and fun to read to young children because it has Max and Ruby in the story!

Three words to describe this book: Fun, silly, cute

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ruby reads Max a story about a young Midas who is able to change any food into a dessert just by looking at it. My 5 year old liked this more than I did, but I think it was the laser eyes that appealed to him. I don't think (or Max) got the point, even though Ruby tries to make sure Max does.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fun--- the Midas touch in this story turns everything into something sweet--- but also disappointing. I think what makes Max and Ruby so appealing is the humor in everyday situations, and that did not translate well into a Greek myth. I was disappointed.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our girls adore the Max and Ruby stories and this one is an adaptation of the Greek myth about King Midas. It's entertaining and easy to understand for young children, and best of all it features Rosemary Wells' inimitable illustrations.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby tells Max the story of Midas with a twist. In Ruby's version, Midas has the desert touch instead of the golden touch. Midas turns everyone into yummy deserts. It is really cute and the illustrations are adorable.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. When Ruby catches Max sneaking cupcakes into his pajamas at bedtime, she tells him the story of Midas, a young Greek rabbit who had the power to turn anything into dessert.

Max and I have an awful lot in common. Goodnight, beautiful! :)

[Melissa Nestico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this when I was a little kid and I remember loving it. I only read this book because I needed to get caught up on my book reading challenge. It is still a good book to read to any little ones that you have around.

[Allieski11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

my most favorite book of all!

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are a bit different from our regular Max and Ruby books, but not any less adorable. These bring us Greek myths in bunny style! Always with a moral and always cute!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for greek children.

[Alexandria K · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Max likes the cupcakes. So he sticks them on his sides. Then his sister Ruby tells him the story about Young Midas.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids enjoyed it. Reminded me of The Chocolate Touch, only shorter and better done!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giuliana: "Goodnight, Beautiful. "

[Alaina Sloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun re-telling of the story of Midas for preschool - kindergarten. Instead of gold, Max can turn everything into dessert!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!