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The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail
Everyone has magic but sometimes you have to search to find out what it is. That’s what Maxwell
Mouse had to do. And he discovered that what he thought was something very bad was actually
something very good, indeed.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is more than just a charming, wonderfully illustrated story. With
childlike innocence, it presents an inspiring motivational model for youngsters—especially gifted kids and those with special needs—to take another look at themselves and recognize their unique gifts. It shows them how to see beyond what appear to be limitations and appreciate them as positive attributes that will help them to soar.
Written by an educator with over 30 years in the trenches and based on sound educational principles acknowledging the various ways children learn (multiple intelligences), The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a micro-guide to life. It will delight children as they celebrate Maxwell’s triumphs, and warm the hearts of parents as they watch their kids discover how perfectly special they are.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is the first in a series of books to entertain, educate, and encourage children to be their better selves.
Mouse had to do. And he discovered that what he thought was something very bad was actually
something very good, indeed.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is more than just a charming, wonderfully illustrated story. With
childlike innocence, it presents an inspiring motivational model for youngsters—especially gifted kids and those with special needs—to take another look at themselves and recognize their unique gifts. It shows them how to see beyond what appear to be limitations and appreciate them as positive attributes that will help them to soar.
Written by an educator with over 30 years in the trenches and based on sound educational principles acknowledging the various ways children learn (multiple intelligences), The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a micro-guide to life. It will delight children as they celebrate Maxwell’s triumphs, and warm the hearts of parents as they watch their kids discover how perfectly special they are.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is the first in a series of books to entertain, educate, and encourage children to be their better selves.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
29 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
I love books that teach children to look at their differences in a whole new light. This book is great. The character of Maxwell is adorable and, as you go through the story, you really feel what he is feeling - who among us hasn't had a time when they felt like they were being picked on, laughed at, for being a little different? With some kind words from his family - and the help of his amazing curiosity, love of learning and great imagination - he realizes that he is perfect just the way he is ... and some other people do too :)
I shared this with a few of the little ones and they immediately fell in love with Maxwell (one of the most asked for stories to date). In fact, it made them start looking at things about each of them that are different too.
I love books that teach children to look at their differences in a whole new light. This book is great. The character of Maxwell is adorable and, as you go through the story, you really feel what he is feeling - who among us hasn't had a time when they felt like they were being picked on, laughed at, for being a little different? With some kind words from his family - and the help of his amazing curiosity, love of learning and great imagination - he realizes that he is perfect just the way he is ... and some other people do too :)
I shared this with a few of the little ones and they immediately fell in love with Maxwell (one of the most asked for stories to date). In fact, it made them start looking at things about each of them that are different too.
August 10, 2015
I received a free digital ARC for review.
Maxwell the mouse has an insatiable hunger for learning everything and everything he can. Life is great until he wakes up with his tail way too long. It becomes his classmates' subject of laughter and frustration.
While not every real-life experience will have the storybook ending this book does, it is a great way to initiate a discussion with your child.
Having others embrace your differences is not as important as learning to accept them in yourself.
It is an important theme to review not only with regard to your child's personal experiences, but also in their classmates and friends. I encourage parents to take the discussion a step further and teach them about historical figures with similar challenges.
Maxwell the mouse has an insatiable hunger for learning everything and everything he can. Life is great until he wakes up with his tail way too long. It becomes his classmates' subject of laughter and frustration.
While not every real-life experience will have the storybook ending this book does, it is a great way to initiate a discussion with your child.
Having others embrace your differences is not as important as learning to accept them in yourself.
It is an important theme to review not only with regard to your child's personal experiences, but also in their classmates and friends. I encourage parents to take the discussion a step further and teach them about historical figures with similar challenges.
August 2, 2015
ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publishers
cute story of Maxwell the mouse with an extraordinarily long tail. he thinks this is something to be ashamed of. but after assurances from his parents that he was completely normal, he was able to find the magic inside to use his extra long tail for good things.
a great story to show that being different is not a bad thing, it can be something great!
cute story of Maxwell the mouse with an extraordinarily long tail. he thinks this is something to be ashamed of. but after assurances from his parents that he was completely normal, he was able to find the magic inside to use his extra long tail for good things.
a great story to show that being different is not a bad thing, it can be something great!
October 8, 2014
It was alright. Maxwell has a tail longer than all the other mice and it gets in the way. But while starting at it one morning in the sunlight, he discovers his tail is magic because its like a third arm. The story is about being who you and liking your self for it, and that is a good message. I just didn't care for the story. Its a bit wordy, and I love that Max finds good uses for his long tale, but I think there was too quick a transition from bad to good.
August 19, 2017
Title: The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail
Author: Maureen Stolar Kanefield
Illustrator Carlos Aon
Publisher: Magic Tail Press
Published: 9-2-2014
Pages: 35
Genre: Children's Literature
Sub-Genre: Animals, Mice. Fiction, Growing Up,
ISBN: 9780990348405
ASIN: B00NEFBC6E
Reviewed For NetGalley and Magic Tail Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
When Maxwell's tail grows to oversize proportions he is teased and ridiculed by others, even his best friend comments on it. Then Maxwell discovers their is a usefulness to having such a long beautiful tail. The beautiful illustrations of Carlos Aon hold the readers interest and brought the story to life.
My rating of "The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEFBC6E/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Magic-...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
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Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
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Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Maureen Stolar Kanefield
Illustrator Carlos Aon
Publisher: Magic Tail Press
Published: 9-2-2014
Pages: 35
Genre: Children's Literature
Sub-Genre: Animals, Mice. Fiction, Growing Up,
ISBN: 9780990348405
ASIN: B00NEFBC6E
Reviewed For NetGalley and Magic Tail Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
When Maxwell's tail grows to oversize proportions he is teased and ridiculed by others, even his best friend comments on it. Then Maxwell discovers their is a usefulness to having such a long beautiful tail. The beautiful illustrations of Carlos Aon hold the readers interest and brought the story to life.
My rating of "The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEFBC6E/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Magic-...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
September 29, 2023
I love this book specially because the story teaches about how to look at the benefits of being different and love ourselves. The author is from Chicago and she did a wonderful job on this book, I would read this book to early grades starting from preschoolers to second grade.
October 29, 2014
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail by Maureen Stolar Kanefield is a cute picturebook about a young mouse facing growing pains. Maxwell is smart, and has a curiosity that draws him to study everything. The trouble starts when he discovers his tail is growing much too long. Soon he being teased about the long tail, and how clumsy he feels with it. Maxwell soon discovers that his biggest problem can also be his biggest asset and explores the good in his tail.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail has something that everyone can relate to. When growing up just about everyone has something that makes them feel awkward, clumsy, silly, or anything else that makes them feel like they could be teased about. In many cases it is the awkwardness that come with growth spurts, braces, a haircut, needing glasses, speech or attention issues; but can take any form. I really enjoyed how the illustrations and words came together here to make every reader relate to Maxwell, and understand that like the little mouse whatever they are feeling bad about could also be an asset once they take the time to explore it. Maxwell thinks about all the great things he could do with his tail; paint, play music, cook, and so on. A young person could take the message of this book and find the fun or strength in their 'weakness' as well.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a well told and illustrated tale about finding the good in yourself, and about accepting others as they come. we all have our own something different about ourselves, but like Maxwell children and adults alike are unable to harness that difference for anything worthwhile until they accept it and test it. Readers of all ages will want to encourage and cheer for Maxwell as he finds that being different is not only okay, but part of the wonder of the world.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail has something that everyone can relate to. When growing up just about everyone has something that makes them feel awkward, clumsy, silly, or anything else that makes them feel like they could be teased about. In many cases it is the awkwardness that come with growth spurts, braces, a haircut, needing glasses, speech or attention issues; but can take any form. I really enjoyed how the illustrations and words came together here to make every reader relate to Maxwell, and understand that like the little mouse whatever they are feeling bad about could also be an asset once they take the time to explore it. Maxwell thinks about all the great things he could do with his tail; paint, play music, cook, and so on. A young person could take the message of this book and find the fun or strength in their 'weakness' as well.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a well told and illustrated tale about finding the good in yourself, and about accepting others as they come. we all have our own something different about ourselves, but like Maxwell children and adults alike are unable to harness that difference for anything worthwhile until they accept it and test it. Readers of all ages will want to encourage and cheer for Maxwell as he finds that being different is not only okay, but part of the wonder of the world.
August 13, 2014
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail by Maureen Stolar Kanefield is a very cute children’s book. It’s the story of Maxwell, the mouse, who is a very inquisitive mouse. He loves to explore and learn about all kinds of things. He is a happy mouse, until the day his tail grows. And grows and grows. It gets so large that the kids in school make fun of him and he trips his best friend while walking home. When he gets home and starts crying to his parents about how long his tail is, they tell him that his tail is a part of who he is. And if he is open-minded, his tail may help him find something magical. Could his parents be right, is there magic in his tail?
The writing style is very appropriate for a younger child. The words used are words that a child will understand. The length of the book is just right to hold a child’s interest. The illustrations are bright, vibrant and vivid and help to tell the story in a fun way. There is also a life-lesson being taught in a way that a child will enjoy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cute entertaining story to their child. I hope that this author writes more children’s books and so do my grandchildren.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Magic Tale Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The writing style is very appropriate for a younger child. The words used are words that a child will understand. The length of the book is just right to hold a child’s interest. The illustrations are bright, vibrant and vivid and help to tell the story in a fun way. There is also a life-lesson being taught in a way that a child will enjoy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cute entertaining story to their child. I hope that this author writes more children’s books and so do my grandchildren.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Magic Tale Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 2, 2015
This is a perfect book for every elementary classroom. Maxwell teaches students that there is “a bit of magic” in all of us. Teachers can use this book to have students take a closer look at their classmates and find the good…a fun way to build classroom community.
Additional ways to use this book in the classroom:
Reading
-predicting
-reading dialogue with expression (various “said” words)
-reader’s theater
-using pictures to infer characters’ feelings
-“reading” the illustration to understand main character’s
personality and character traits
-vocabulary (feelings)
-simple theme (Perfect way to introduce young readers to the
concept of themes in a book.)
-setting changes and how they affect character changes
Writing
-use thought bubbles to model how to write in internal thinking
-write Maxwell’s next adventure
-chart “said” words
-for beginning writers – how illustrations can show movement
This book has it all! It is a great book to use with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) and a true mentor text for reading and writing. My second grade class has enjoyed it every time we have read it and it is a book they read in groups during any free minute in the day. 5 BIG stars!!
Additional ways to use this book in the classroom:
Reading
-predicting
-reading dialogue with expression (various “said” words)
-reader’s theater
-using pictures to infer characters’ feelings
-“reading” the illustration to understand main character’s
personality and character traits
-vocabulary (feelings)
-simple theme (Perfect way to introduce young readers to the
concept of themes in a book.)
-setting changes and how they affect character changes
Writing
-use thought bubbles to model how to write in internal thinking
-write Maxwell’s next adventure
-chart “said” words
-for beginning writers – how illustrations can show movement
This book has it all! It is a great book to use with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) and a true mentor text for reading and writing. My second grade class has enjoyed it every time we have read it and it is a book they read in groups during any free minute in the day. 5 BIG stars!!
September 4, 2014
So here is my take on this great little book in rhyme....yep, I'm turning into the Rhyming Reviewer and loving it..... :)
Look, there's Maxwell by his house.
Who's Maxwell? Why he's a little mouse.
What's the problem? What is wrong?
Oh my gosh....his tail's too long!!!
His friends at school all laugh and sneer,
They tease and gawk when Maxwell's near.
Poor Max is feeling so forlorn,
Rejected, sad ... his heart is torn.
Then one day a beam of light
Shines down on Max and sets things right.
His tail is magic, his tail's unique,
Max discovers he's NOT a freak!
Look out Max you tail's a wonder,
Creating magic without a blunder.
Extraordinary Maxwell smart,
His awesome tail's a work of art!
Maxwell's tail is quite a sight,
The things it does brings him delight.
Max's the envy of his school,
His friends now think that Max is cool.
P.S. The colourful illustrations are full of expression and fun. The message of just being yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness opens up a wonderful dialogue between you and your child. I highly recommend this book and know kids of all ages will enjoy reading it.
Look, there's Maxwell by his house.
Who's Maxwell? Why he's a little mouse.
What's the problem? What is wrong?
Oh my gosh....his tail's too long!!!
His friends at school all laugh and sneer,
They tease and gawk when Maxwell's near.
Poor Max is feeling so forlorn,
Rejected, sad ... his heart is torn.
Then one day a beam of light
Shines down on Max and sets things right.
His tail is magic, his tail's unique,
Max discovers he's NOT a freak!
Look out Max you tail's a wonder,
Creating magic without a blunder.
Extraordinary Maxwell smart,
His awesome tail's a work of art!
Maxwell's tail is quite a sight,
The things it does brings him delight.
Max's the envy of his school,
His friends now think that Max is cool.
P.S. The colourful illustrations are full of expression and fun. The message of just being yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness opens up a wonderful dialogue between you and your child. I highly recommend this book and know kids of all ages will enjoy reading it.
January 21, 2016
Maxwell loves learning about new things, spending time with his friends, and playing. But when his tail grows longer than normal he loses his confidence. His best friend becomes annoyed with him and the zest for learning just isn't there. But Maxwell sees his tail in a new light and learns there is a little bit of magic in everyone if they will look for it.
My children, especially my 8 yr old son, loved this book. The energetic feel of the story and the bright and colorful illustrations draw the reader in. The illustrations and words work well together to both tell the story and the emotions that the author wanted to convey. The message that everyone is special in their own way is beautifully presented. It is a great conversation starter and opens up the opportunity for discussion about talents, uniqueness, and being different.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
My children, especially my 8 yr old son, loved this book. The energetic feel of the story and the bright and colorful illustrations draw the reader in. The illustrations and words work well together to both tell the story and the emotions that the author wanted to convey. The message that everyone is special in their own way is beautifully presented. It is a great conversation starter and opens up the opportunity for discussion about talents, uniqueness, and being different.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2017
I received a free kindle copy of The Magic of Maxwell and his Tail by Maureen Solar Kanefield from NetGalley for fair review. I gave it a FIVE star.
I loved this adventuresome story about Maxwell the mouse's magical tail. The illustrations are cleverly done & it's a great read aloud story.
It also encourages children to see beyond their personal challenges to see their abilities.
I highly recommend it for children, parents & grandparents as well as for teachers & libraries.
Illustration below is NOT from the book. I just liked the little mouse reading.
I loved this adventuresome story about Maxwell the mouse's magical tail. The illustrations are cleverly done & it's a great read aloud story.
It also encourages children to see beyond their personal challenges to see their abilities.
I highly recommend it for children, parents & grandparents as well as for teachers & libraries.
Illustration below is NOT from the book. I just liked the little mouse reading.
August 12, 2014
Another fantastic book for younger readers and will really be brilliant to use with any child who is trying to cope with being different in any way. It helps them focus the positives of being different and using these as a strength rather than regarding them as a negative. The illustrations are superb, helping make the story one children will easily relate to. Readers will easily be able to empathise with Maxwell - being heartened by his solution to his tail problem and hopefully encouraged to react in a similar manner if they experience problems with being different in any way. I highly recommend this book - certainly one for parents and teachers of young children to look out for!
August 12, 2014
I received a digital copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely short story and I really enjoyed reading this. It's a short and sweet picture book with gorgeous illustrations. The story proves that everyone is unique and has that little bit of magic hidden within them, you've just got to find out what yours is too!
As the book is not released until September, my full review will not be posted until September 2014 - watch this space!
This is a lovely short story and I really enjoyed reading this. It's a short and sweet picture book with gorgeous illustrations. The story proves that everyone is unique and has that little bit of magic hidden within them, you've just got to find out what yours is too!
As the book is not released until September, my full review will not be posted until September 2014 - watch this space!
August 31, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
Maxwell is a vibrant, academic little mouse - but then his tail begins to grow incredibly long and the other mice at school begin to make fun of him. Maxwell soon begins to realize that his differences are what make him special.
A sweet tail(!) with bright illustrations that encourages children to love themselves for who they are and to find the magic within themselves.
Maxwell is a vibrant, academic little mouse - but then his tail begins to grow incredibly long and the other mice at school begin to make fun of him. Maxwell soon begins to realize that his differences are what make him special.
A sweet tail(!) with bright illustrations that encourages children to love themselves for who they are and to find the magic within themselves.
September 17, 2014
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a delightful story of a mouse who had a physical issue that caused him emotional pain. By learning how to use his tail in a way that improved his self-esteem, Maxwell was able to gain new knowledge and silence the bullies or mean mice that he encountered. This book is appropriate for all children to help them recognize that it's OK to be different and in fact it could be a real asset. Dr. Ward
September 17, 2014
An adorable book with beautiful illustrations about finding a way to love our self, with a storybook ending that is great for bedtime or anytime. I think the book is a great tool to use with children when we are addressing things like; negotiate the struggles of growing up, understanding their changing bodies and how to appreciate what gift you were given.
5 stars
5 stars
August 15, 2014
I loved the illustrations and the purpose of this story (accepting yourself and figuring out who you really are). It fell flat a couple of times for me but that being said, kids will love this story and I think that it would make a great storytime read.
October 24, 2014
This is precisely the kind of book that I want to read to my son. It teaches him that it is only okay to be different, but that he can use his differences in ways that make him special. I adored this book and will certainly read it to him again and again.
April 18, 2015
very cute. I like the "feeling different" part and then finding what makes you unique. A great story for kids.
August 22, 2014
The pictures were nicely done. The message was good for kids to hear. The story just didn't do much for me. Thanks NetGalley, for the copy.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews