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Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show
A fabulous bedtime show that's perfect for a bedtime reading adventure! Join Max and his dazzling show! But in the end, even great magicians need to go to sleep.Max the Magnificent is a daring magician. He can make cookies disappear, make animals appear, and even tame savage beasts! Cheer as he makes a cookie disappear (very slowly)! Gasp as he asks for ten (yes, ten) bedtime stories! Will he be able to accomplish the most difficult trick and put off bedtime?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2013
1 person is currently reading
757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 15, 2014
There's a lot to like in this lively picture book with its brightly colored illustrations and different font faces and sizes on its various pages. And then there's Max, a would-be magician who enjoys performing various feats of daring such as taming a savage beast (the family dog) and making things disappear (cookies and milk). He even manages to postpone going to sleep by asking for several read alouds. Surely, though, even a boy magician needs to rest up for the next day's feats. The last page will elicit guffaws with all the food items he is balancing precariously on plates. Many caregivers will easily relate to how hard it is put the rambunctious Max to bed, and many Maxes will relate to all his attempts to postpone bedtime. Oh, that Max!
January 12, 2016
Procrastination can be cute, too!
Max is postponing his bedtime while trying to impress as with his wonderful magic tricks, and he is doing a great job, let me tell you.
Adorable book! Brightly colored illustrations, the text is in different font, sizes, and colors, which makes it more amazing for kids (for me too, of course!).
Definitely 5 stars!!!!
Max is postponing his bedtime while trying to impress as with his wonderful magic tricks, and he is doing a great job, let me tell you.
Adorable book! Brightly colored illustrations, the text is in different font, sizes, and colors, which makes it more amazing for kids (for me too, of course!).
Definitely 5 stars!!!!
May 22, 2018
Max wil NIET naar bed, en dus zien wij, in een soort van show hoe hij probeert van alles te doen om NIET naar bed te hoeven. Van een hele tijd doen over tandenpoetsen, tot moeilijk doen over zijn outfit, tot wel 5 en meer verhaaltjes willen. Ik moet zeggen dat ik soms karakters ietwat vervelend vindt als ze dit soort truukjes doen, maar Max? Ik mocht Max wel. Voornamelijk omdat hij ook niet boos of vervelend deed, hij was gewoon lief en schattig bezig met niet naar bed te gaan. En tja, uiteindelijk....
De art was zeker mijn favoriet, maar ja dat is Sarah Warburton. Ik hou van haar artstyle!
De art was zeker mijn favoriet, maar ja dat is Sarah Warburton. Ik hou van haar artstyle!
March 10, 2019
Super cute. Max’s world-famous Show is putting off bedtime for as long as possible. Fun illustrations add to an adorable book.
March 6, 2015
Max and the Won’t Got to Bed Show is a funny, witty and very entertaining read and seriously perfect for you to read to your little one before bedtime!
We had so much fun reading this book. I didn’t know what to expect or what my daughter’s reactions would be to Max’s show, but I loved how much she and I enjoyed it. It’s a great book that reads as though you were actually at a show and it’s great to put on your ‘show’ voice to entertain your little one that much more.
The illustrations are bright and have so much colour bursting from the pages. Each page has so many different styles of fonts printed on the page and in such a fun way too. And the way the story is printed on the page is so much fun.
Max is a great character and he has such a big imagination that any child can relate to him especially if they enjoy making up their own stories or role player. My daughter really enjoyed his show and it’s one we’ve read many times since the first time.
Thank you Max for a very entertaining show!
Thank you to HarperCollins for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
We had so much fun reading this book. I didn’t know what to expect or what my daughter’s reactions would be to Max’s show, but I loved how much she and I enjoyed it. It’s a great book that reads as though you were actually at a show and it’s great to put on your ‘show’ voice to entertain your little one that much more.
The illustrations are bright and have so much colour bursting from the pages. Each page has so many different styles of fonts printed on the page and in such a fun way too. And the way the story is printed on the page is so much fun.
Max is a great character and he has such a big imagination that any child can relate to him especially if they enjoy making up their own stories or role player. My daughter really enjoyed his show and it’s one we’ve read many times since the first time.
Thank you Max for a very entertaining show!
Thank you to HarperCollins for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2020
2014: We see Max stalling as he has a snack, goes upstairs, changes into his pajamas, and tries to get his mom to read him ten bedtime stories. Sound familiar? It did to me, and even my five-year-old recognized a bit of herself in the story.
The illustrations are colorful and energetic, and I enjoyed the theater-style touches here and there. The text sounds like it's being announced at a circus, and adds plenty of fun to the story.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
The illustrations are colorful and energetic, and I enjoyed the theater-style touches here and there. The text sounds like it's being announced at a circus, and adds plenty of fun to the story.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
October 8, 2014
Cute story, one that parents and kids will relate to! Good text to use for writing - notice the voice used throughout the story and the describing words to make the "tricks" sound more interesting.
July 14, 2014
Super cute story with whimsical illustrations made me smile. Another to add to the collection of "bedtime" stories. Would pair well with Naked!
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February 8, 2021Summary: This is a creative story of a little boy who doesn't want to go to bed and tries to put it off for as long as possible, pretending to be a magician with every attempt.
Reflection: The illustrations that go along with the words of the book are very engaging. If read to an elementary school classroom, I can see all the students joining the teacher as various phrases are read aloud. Although this story is super fun and engaging, I worry that it will teach disobedience in children.
Application: I don't know if there are any lessons to take away from this book other than making sure students know that not listening to your parents when it's time to get ready for bed is bad. I think this book is ultimately super fun and engaging to read to students and encourage them to participate as well.
Reflection: The illustrations that go along with the words of the book are very engaging. If read to an elementary school classroom, I can see all the students joining the teacher as various phrases are read aloud. Although this story is super fun and engaging, I worry that it will teach disobedience in children.
Application: I don't know if there are any lessons to take away from this book other than making sure students know that not listening to your parents when it's time to get ready for bed is bad. I think this book is ultimately super fun and engaging to read to students and encourage them to participate as well.
April 23, 2021
This book follows the story of a boy named Max who is doing everything he can to not have to go to sleep. To avoid going to bed he does a series of magic tricks throughout the book. The entire book is written and pictured as if Max's bedtime routine is a grand magic show! He makes cookies disappear and animals reappear! By the end Max does his final trick, which is finally having to go to sleep.
This book is silly but entertaining to read. It is a funny idea with fun illustrations. Every child can relate to this book because the majority of time, they don't want to go to sleep. This book would be a fun one to read to a child right before bed! I enjoyed it but did not think it had much purpose besides a silly story line about avoiding bed time.
This book is silly but entertaining to read. It is a funny idea with fun illustrations. Every child can relate to this book because the majority of time, they don't want to go to sleep. This book would be a fun one to read to a child right before bed! I enjoyed it but did not think it had much purpose besides a silly story line about avoiding bed time.
April 26, 2021
This story follows a boy named Max who will do anything to avoid bedtime. He will attempt amazing tricks and magic. Will Max end up falling asleep or will the magic continue.
I think this is a wonderful story, it shows what some children go through. I know for myself I hated going to bed or taking naps. I would do anything to not have to sleep I loved hanging with people. I think children could relate their own lives to this story.
I would love to have this book in my classroom collection. This would be great to teach children proper bedtime manners and a good timeline on how to get things done.
I think this is a wonderful story, it shows what some children go through. I know for myself I hated going to bed or taking naps. I would do anything to not have to sleep I loved hanging with people. I think children could relate their own lives to this story.
I would love to have this book in my classroom collection. This would be great to teach children proper bedtime manners and a good timeline on how to get things done.
January 17, 2019
Energetic children who want to stretch the day as long as possible and avoid going to bed will definitely be able to relate to this cute picture book and may even be inspired to try some of Max's tricks themselves. Fun text presented as a spectacular magic show along with bright, humorous illustrations tell the story of a precocious little boy who uses every stall tactic possible in order to stay up just a little bit longer. This would be fun to share with kids at bedtime. It could also be a good mentor text for young writers who may want to share other ways to avoid things they don't like.
March 3, 2021
Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show is about a boy named Max and the steps he takes to go to bed. Max approaches going to bed like he is in a circus. This makes going to bed more fun for Max and encourages him to go to bed.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very creative with the approach to getting a child to go to sleep with a fun activity.
This book could be used as an interactive book in the class. There are several times where the teacher can ask his or her students what is going to happen in the magic trick that Max is about to perform.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very creative with the approach to getting a child to go to sleep with a fun activity.
This book could be used as an interactive book in the class. There are several times where the teacher can ask his or her students what is going to happen in the magic trick that Max is about to perform.
September 26, 2020
Max the Magician is has to use all his tricks to stay awake and out of bed... and some of them are truly amazing!
Why I started this book: My sister recommended Sperring's other book Snappy Birthday.
Why I finished it: Humorous and dynamic, my sympathies to the family's dog, Brian.
Why I started this book: My sister recommended Sperring's other book Snappy Birthday.
Why I finished it: Humorous and dynamic, my sympathies to the family's dog, Brian.
October 13, 2017
Do you have a young one at home that fits going to bed? If you answered yes, then this story is the one for you! Max the Magnificent is going to do everything within his power to prevent going to bed, and that means doing everything he can to stall the activities leading up to the event. This is a great story to read to young children.
July 23, 2019
Pretty funny
January 16, 2021
What won't a kid do to stay up late? Max puts on a magnificent show. The narration is written in a highly theatrical, circus-y style, which lends so well to read alouds.
August 29, 2021
This was super cute and I enjoyed it very much. I think any child would enjoy it as well.
July 6, 2023
The never ending battle of bedtime.
May 6, 2024
This is a clever and fun story for story time! The illustrations are bright and vivid and add to the enjoyment.
October 16, 2024
I loved it. It was super duper fun. all the action words got the 5 stars from me
January 12, 2017
Such a funny tale of a little boy that takes forever to go to bed.
May 18, 2015
We had a blast reading this book before bed tonight. Great book to add sound effects to and just have fun with. The illustrations are bright, colorful, humorous and often have a sense of motion about them. The print is in all kinds of amusing with different styles and sizes of font that add expression to the words. Truthfully, this book is bursting with energy, which is ironic, as it's a book about Max who is supposed to go to bed.
I think any child could relate to Max in this story, each having their own 'tricks' for not going to bed, to be sure. The dog was my absolute favorite, esp the last page. My son hooted and guffawed over that picture.
I appreciate how the author took a mundane aspect of a child's life and transformed it into something imaginative and entertaining. The book has it's own magic in that sense. Recommend this book for those with young children that need to get out a few last giggles before lights out.
Disclosure: I read a free copy of the book in return for my candid review. Be assured, my opinion is honest, and I do not owe or know the author/publisher.
I think any child could relate to Max in this story, each having their own 'tricks' for not going to bed, to be sure. The dog was my absolute favorite, esp the last page. My son hooted and guffawed over that picture.
I appreciate how the author took a mundane aspect of a child's life and transformed it into something imaginative and entertaining. The book has it's own magic in that sense. Recommend this book for those with young children that need to get out a few last giggles before lights out.
Disclosure: I read a free copy of the book in return for my candid review. Be assured, my opinion is honest, and I do not owe or know the author/publisher.
August 3, 2014
Max and the Won't Go To Bed Show is a delightful picture book. The hero, Max, who is not tired and does not want to go to bed--at least not yet--is putting on a show for his family. The show also involves the family dog, Brian. Brian, well, he's not quite as magnificent as Max himself. The text is lively and clever. I love the descriptive language and the playfulness of it. It is a bit over-the-top, but, in a good way. For example,
I also love the illustrations. I do. I loved Max's expressions. Overall, this one is oh-so-easy to recommend. (This one was originally published in the UK.)
And now prepare to be SHOCKED and AMAZED. You are about to witness the seldom seen FLOATING PAJAMA TRICK. Max will cause his pajamas to float off the chair and across the room. And, perhaps the most difficult part of all, he'll attempt to put them on. Audience, be warned, this trick can take up to half an hour to perform...though, luckily, not tonight.
I also love the illustrations. I do. I loved Max's expressions. Overall, this one is oh-so-easy to recommend. (This one was originally published in the UK.)
September 6, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book as a First Reads winner.
I am a huge fan of picture books. As a teacher, I am always looking for new ones to read to my class. I read the book with my 5 1/2 year old. What I liked best about it was the illustrations. They are very colorful. My 5 year old loved the book and thought it was funny. Her favorite parts was when Max interacted with his dog Brian. She also caught on to the fact that Max really was trying to avoid going to bed, so of course she found that funny.
As a teacher, I know my students would find the book funny, just like my 5 year old. I think this would be a great book to do a writing activity with-like "Max avoids going to bed by putting on a circus-type show. How would you avoid going to bed?" It would be fun to see what kind of stories they would come up with!
I recommend this book to anyone who has or works with young children.
I am a huge fan of picture books. As a teacher, I am always looking for new ones to read to my class. I read the book with my 5 1/2 year old. What I liked best about it was the illustrations. They are very colorful. My 5 year old loved the book and thought it was funny. Her favorite parts was when Max interacted with his dog Brian. She also caught on to the fact that Max really was trying to avoid going to bed, so of course she found that funny.
As a teacher, I know my students would find the book funny, just like my 5 year old. I think this would be a great book to do a writing activity with-like "Max avoids going to bed by putting on a circus-type show. How would you avoid going to bed?" It would be fun to see what kind of stories they would come up with!
I recommend this book to anyone who has or works with young children.
April 27, 2015
Budding showman Max attempts to postpone the inevitable—his bedtime—by performing “amazing” feats of magic, like making milk disappear and taming wild animals. When these fail to impress, he resorts to the time-honored “stall” tactics of the disappearing boy, the dazzling tooth shine, magically producing animals from hiding spots and the trick of the floating pajamas. But he has saved the best caper for last by requesting not one, not two but TEN bedtime stories. (His mother agrees to two.) Finally the lights dim and Magician Max settles down to sleep because who knows what tricks he’ll be called on to perform tomorrow. This enjoyable romp reads like a ringmaster’s patter, and the vivid cartoon illustrations evoke a circus theme. Even the dramatic fonts are reminiscent of playbills. Pre-schoolers will enjoy and identify with this tale. The familiar angst of bedtime and its time-honored rituals are great fodder for this inventive and humorous story.
March 4, 2015
My daughter and I read Max and the Won't go to Bed Show last night at bed time. She LOVED it! It such a cute story about a little boy who reached into his bag of tricks to try to stay up just a little longer. (Like every child does) We enjoyed the narration of the story. It was fun for me to read, and fun for her to listen to. She giggled throughout the whole book! Nothing is better than sharing a story with my little girl that brings a smile to both of our faces. The illustrations are awesome. To me a kids book should not only be a good story, but it should have good drawings for children who cannot read to get the visual aspect of what's going on.
This is a must read for all parents and children. Trust me your kids will love it!
This is a must read for all parents and children. Trust me your kids will love it!
September 14, 2014
I won this book through First Reads.
This is the story of Max. Full of imagination, Max turns getting ready for bed into a putting-off-bedtime show. He tames beasts, makes clothes levitate and float across the room, and does all manner of other exciting tricks. He even vanishes! Unfortunately, like all bedtime stories, Max's show finally ends and his eyes close sending him off to dreams of the great tricks he might preform tomorrow.
Honestly, this book wasn't quite what I expected from the description. It's still a great story. Don't just take my word on that- my 3 year old has made me read it over and over since it arrived in the mail. :-) Great bedtime story for kids.
This is the story of Max. Full of imagination, Max turns getting ready for bed into a putting-off-bedtime show. He tames beasts, makes clothes levitate and float across the room, and does all manner of other exciting tricks. He even vanishes! Unfortunately, like all bedtime stories, Max's show finally ends and his eyes close sending him off to dreams of the great tricks he might preform tomorrow.
Honestly, this book wasn't quite what I expected from the description. It's still a great story. Don't just take my word on that- my 3 year old has made me read it over and over since it arrived in the mail. :-) Great bedtime story for kids.
December 4, 2014
It is about time for Max to go to bed so he pulls every trick out of his hat for delaying. He eats his bedtime snack very slowly. He tries to teach his dog tricks, he walks slowly upstairs, he takes his time brushing his teeth, etc. But finally he succumbs and fall asleep.
The illustrations are very colorful and cute. The little boy has a very large imagination and a lot of energy. The story is told in such a fun way. I could see the parent using a circus show voice to announce some of the tricks Max will attempt to perform. Is this the best type of book to read to help a child go to sleep? Hmm. You will have to decide. But the book is a lot of fun.
The illustrations are very colorful and cute. The little boy has a very large imagination and a lot of energy. The story is told in such a fun way. I could see the parent using a circus show voice to announce some of the tricks Max will attempt to perform. Is this the best type of book to read to help a child go to sleep? Hmm. You will have to decide. But the book is a lot of fun.
November 1, 2014
An entertaining story of a procrastinating, imaginative magician (a little boy who needs to get ready for bed) and his endearing, unwitting assistant (his dog.) My 5yo really enjoyed the book and looked forward to hearing it again. This picture book will also be a great read for my 7yo and children slightly older because there is some very challenging vocabulary. The illustrations are eye-catching and vivid (the expression on the dog's face alone is priceless. Overall, a solid choice for bedtime! (I received this in a Goodreads giveaway.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews