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Max and Ruby
Max's Dragon Shirt
On a shopping trip to the department store, Max's determination to get a dragon shirt leads him away from his distracted sister and into trouble.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
4 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Wells
453 books380 followersLibrarian 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 12, 2021
The best. I always prefer an author/illustrator to an author working with an illustrator and Wells’s work is some of the best in the field.
January 28, 2019
This is another entry in the Jen-Can't-Read-Children's-Books category, because this is a terrible book. Apparently it's part of a series of this brother/sister duo, and maybe it would help if I read other books and therefore knew the dynamic of Max and Ruby, but as a stand-alone everything about this is awful.
The plot is that Max needs new pants because his old ones are terribly stained. There's a hidden mom character that gives Ruby $5 to buy the new pants, because Hidden Mom seems unable to take her own son to buy pants. Max's only line in the whole book is "dragon shirt;" how he knows about such a shirt we don't learn, and why he has no linguistic skills for anything else isn't explained. Is he too young to have a larger vocabulary? If that's the case, why is he out with his obviously-not-old-enough sister? They get to the store and Ruby tries on a bunch of different dresses, wandering off for periods of time and leaving Max in the dressing room. (I'm hoping he's too young for strong linguistic skills if he's in a changing room with his older sister.) He eventually leaves, because of course he does, and she has to go looking for him, and of course he gets the shirt and no pants.
I don't get the purpose of the book. It's not entertaining, the illustrations are unremarkable, and I think the whole point is to get one over on Ruby (which is just another entry in the Bossy/Selfish Sister category and I'm kind of over those). I think this is a generally bland book, but I think my distaste comes more strongly from being an adult who is freaking out about the idea of letting two less-than-teen kids wander around a store by themselves and expecting the daughter to parent the son.
The plot is that Max needs new pants because his old ones are terribly stained. There's a hidden mom character that gives Ruby $5 to buy the new pants, because Hidden Mom seems unable to take her own son to buy pants. Max's only line in the whole book is "dragon shirt;" how he knows about such a shirt we don't learn, and why he has no linguistic skills for anything else isn't explained. Is he too young to have a larger vocabulary? If that's the case, why is he out with his obviously-not-old-enough sister? They get to the store and Ruby tries on a bunch of different dresses, wandering off for periods of time and leaving Max in the dressing room. (I'm hoping he's too young for strong linguistic skills if he's in a changing room with his older sister.) He eventually leaves, because of course he does, and she has to go looking for him, and of course he gets the shirt and no pants.
I don't get the purpose of the book. It's not entertaining, the illustrations are unremarkable, and I think the whole point is to get one over on Ruby (which is just another entry in the Bossy/Selfish Sister category and I'm kind of over those). I think this is a generally bland book, but I think my distaste comes more strongly from being an adult who is freaking out about the idea of letting two less-than-teen kids wander around a store by themselves and expecting the daughter to parent the son.
January 6, 2012
Nice and short, and the kids enjoyed it. Not much to this one, but that's ok when Daddy's attention span is shorter than the kids' and he's ready to send them off to bed.
April 26, 2012
sweet, adorable, messy Max
February 7, 2022
One of my favorite Rosemary Wells books. Hilarious.
November 20, 2017
SUMMARY
Max’s Dragon Shirt follows Ruby taking her younger brother Max to go shopping to replace his dirty old pants. Max persistently repeats that he wants a dragon shirt, but Ruby insists that they only have just enough to buy the pants. Then they get separated from each other, and Max outwits his sister.
ANALYSIS
I think this is a good read for kids. There’s not much going on, but it’s short and sweet. Max is an easily relatable character with his sneaky and mischievous attitude. Children could definitely identify with Max’s desire of wanting something at the store, and maybe with dealing with a bossy older sibling. I always think that the mall (or any other busy setting) is a great setting for children’s books because of the variety of sub-settings. Max explores the changing room, the hat section, the girl’s section, and much more as he searches for his sister.
The illustration uses a variety of bright colors, from the red bus that takes them to the mall, to the yellow dress that Max uses to distinguish Ruby from the rest of the bunnies. The pictures are bordered with black and do not fill up the whole page, leaving room at the top of bottom for the few lines of text. My favorite parts about the book are the endpapers. It shows a panned out view of bunnies crowded in a mall doing their shopping business. In pictures like these, I usually like to take a few minutes to look at what each person is doing.
Max’s Dragon Shirt follows Ruby taking her younger brother Max to go shopping to replace his dirty old pants. Max persistently repeats that he wants a dragon shirt, but Ruby insists that they only have just enough to buy the pants. Then they get separated from each other, and Max outwits his sister.
ANALYSIS
I think this is a good read for kids. There’s not much going on, but it’s short and sweet. Max is an easily relatable character with his sneaky and mischievous attitude. Children could definitely identify with Max’s desire of wanting something at the store, and maybe with dealing with a bossy older sibling. I always think that the mall (or any other busy setting) is a great setting for children’s books because of the variety of sub-settings. Max explores the changing room, the hat section, the girl’s section, and much more as he searches for his sister.
The illustration uses a variety of bright colors, from the red bus that takes them to the mall, to the yellow dress that Max uses to distinguish Ruby from the rest of the bunnies. The pictures are bordered with black and do not fill up the whole page, leaving room at the top of bottom for the few lines of text. My favorite parts about the book are the endpapers. It shows a panned out view of bunnies crowded in a mall doing their shopping business. In pictures like these, I usually like to take a few minutes to look at what each person is doing.
July 9, 2019
Ruby takes Max shopping to buy new overalls, but what Max really wants is a dragon shirt.
This picture book closely follows the "Max's Dragon Shirt" episode from the cartoon series, or perhaps vica versa. Ruby has $5 with which to buy Max new pants; however, they become separated at the shopping center. Max takes advantage of this by trying on a dragon shirt upon which he promptly spills ice cream, so Ruby is forced to buy it instead of overalls.
Once again Max displays his single-minded determination and limited vocabulary in pursuit of his goal. In an unexpected role reversal, it is Ruby who becomes sidetracked, thus allowing her sibling to get the better of her. This will particularly appeal to readers who root for Max despite his poor track record.
This picture book closely follows the "Max's Dragon Shirt" episode from the cartoon series, or perhaps vica versa. Ruby has $5 with which to buy Max new pants; however, they become separated at the shopping center. Max takes advantage of this by trying on a dragon shirt upon which he promptly spills ice cream, so Ruby is forced to buy it instead of overalls.
Once again Max displays his single-minded determination and limited vocabulary in pursuit of his goal. In an unexpected role reversal, it is Ruby who becomes sidetracked, thus allowing her sibling to get the better of her. This will particularly appeal to readers who root for Max despite his poor track record.
September 8, 2021
Max's old blue overalls are disgusting, and Ruby has exactly enough money to buy him a new pair of pants. But what Max really wants is a ferocious, green dragon shirt. When the two get separated in the clothing store, the antics begin. Children will cheer as Max unwittingly outwits his bossy, older sister once again.
November 10, 2024
Max’s focus on the dragon shirt leads to a series of funny, relatable moments that build anticipation for young readers. The story has just enough stakes to keep kids engaged, with a cute twist at the end that leaves them smiling. With humor and a gentle lesson in managing expectations, this book is perfect for teaching little ones about decision-making and sibling relationships.
April 24, 2017
Someday I will buy this book to tear out and frame the picture of the teenager, because it makes me smile and I can't stop.
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December 5, 2018
Ruby takes Max shopping to purchase him a new pair of pants, but he wants a dragon shirt. Ruby gets distracted trying on dresses, and Max wanders off until they become separated. While searching for each other Max finds a dragon shirt, and Ruby has other choice but to purchase the shirt for Max.
July 10, 2017
10/10 nothing is as important as a dragon shirt
September 5, 2018
sometimes I think of the teenager randomly and laugh every time
April 17, 2019
I don't love Max and Ruby but this is a cute one. Great for storytime, if a little on the long side.
April 27, 2019
This book helps children understand what a certain amount of money can buy.
November 27, 2023
this was one my favorite books growing up. It was always so fun to read so added it to my shelf.
September 29, 2024
(read aloud by himself at 4yo, no words missed)
October 17, 2016
Ruby takes Max to a department store. She has $5 to buy him some new pants. Max doesn't want new pants. He likes his old "disgusting" pants. Max wants a dragon shirt.
If you're reading this with your own young children you can chat about what to do when you go shopping to avoid getting lost.
Here's what I did with my children (after frantically looking all over a department store for a lost child -- only to find her hiding in a clothing display rack). We rehearsed the "Yes Mom" game after that while driving to the store. I would say, "What do you say when I say your name in the store?" My children chimed their response, "Yes Mom". I would then remind them that if I can't see them they were "lost" to me. You see, my daughter hadn't thought she was lost because she could hear me when I was calling her. I never lost a child again and they liked the "Yes Mom" game. They could play it with me too. If they said, "Mom" I would say, "Yes ____" (their name). We would also rehearse in the car what they would do when I said, "It's time to go." Then I would ask, "what should happen if they didn't come" and they would come up with suggestions. I would say, "I don't think that solution will work -- can you suggest another one?" Finally, when we were all satisfied we would proceed with Operation Shopping.
If you're reading this with your own young children you can chat about what to do when you go shopping to avoid getting lost.
Here's what I did with my children (after frantically looking all over a department store for a lost child -- only to find her hiding in a clothing display rack). We rehearsed the "Yes Mom" game after that while driving to the store. I would say, "What do you say when I say your name in the store?" My children chimed their response, "Yes Mom". I would then remind them that if I can't see them they were "lost" to me. You see, my daughter hadn't thought she was lost because she could hear me when I was calling her. I never lost a child again and they liked the "Yes Mom" game. They could play it with me too. If they said, "Mom" I would say, "Yes ____" (their name). We would also rehearse in the car what they would do when I said, "It's time to go." Then I would ask, "what should happen if they didn't come" and they would come up with suggestions. I would say, "I don't think that solution will work -- can you suggest another one?" Finally, when we were all satisfied we would proceed with Operation Shopping.
December 22, 2011
Max loves his blue pants but they are in horrible condition. So his sister Ruby gets money from their mother to take Max to the store to buy new pants. Max, however, is determined to have a dragon shirt. But Max's mother only gave Ruby $5 to buy pants. There won't be enough for a dragon shirt.
Once in the store and on their way to the boy's department, Ruby is distracted by some pretty dresses that she just has to try on. While Ruby is trying on several dresses, Max gets tired of waiting around and wanders off. In his wanderings he discovers a dragon shirt! He puts it right on and continues his wanderings. He then realizes that he has no idea where his sister is and ends up following a teenager in a yellow dress that looks like his sister. All this while, Ruby is frantically searching for Max. They finally meet up in the restaurant where Max is sitting and eating ice cream with a couple of police officers. Of course Max has gotten ice cream all over his dragon shirt, so Ruby has to pay for it with the $5 meant to buy pants. That means no pants; and Max is fine with that!
Once in the store and on their way to the boy's department, Ruby is distracted by some pretty dresses that she just has to try on. While Ruby is trying on several dresses, Max gets tired of waiting around and wanders off. In his wanderings he discovers a dragon shirt! He puts it right on and continues his wanderings. He then realizes that he has no idea where his sister is and ends up following a teenager in a yellow dress that looks like his sister. All this while, Ruby is frantically searching for Max. They finally meet up in the restaurant where Max is sitting and eating ice cream with a couple of police officers. Of course Max has gotten ice cream all over his dragon shirt, so Ruby has to pay for it with the $5 meant to buy pants. That means no pants; and Max is fine with that!
June 12, 2012
My nephew liked Max's Dragon Shirt, and he really seemed to identify with Max's desire to have such an awesome thing in his wardrobe. My nephew is a clothes horse, and the more eye-popping and cool the shirt, the better. He was feeling Max on this one. :-)
There is all kinds of stuff in here that adults could object to; leaving kids without adult supervision, an ending that said very little about the dangers of wandering off alone, the implantation of the idea that in order to get what you want, make it so it has to be purchased, the idea that pants cost $5.00 at a department store (although rabbit pants certainly couldn't cost more than $5.00).... If you tend to be careful about what messages are presented to kids in books, then you should probably pre-read this one first. On the other hand, it's just a story aimed at pre-schoolers about bunny rabbits who like awesome shirts.
There is all kinds of stuff in here that adults could object to; leaving kids without adult supervision, an ending that said very little about the dangers of wandering off alone, the implantation of the idea that in order to get what you want, make it so it has to be purchased, the idea that pants cost $5.00 at a department store (although rabbit pants certainly couldn't cost more than $5.00).... If you tend to be careful about what messages are presented to kids in books, then you should probably pre-read this one first. On the other hand, it's just a story aimed at pre-schoolers about bunny rabbits who like awesome shirts.
October 23, 2014
Max has a typical older sister, she takes you shopping for something you need, and she ends up trying on the whole store. Max's sister Ruby took so long trying things on, Max fell asleep!Once Max awoke he went searching for his sister, but instead found something else....
Max's dragon shirt is a very cute innocent book. The illustrations make Max and sister out to be two chubby bunnies. It looks to me like the illustrations are pastel paint. The pictures aren't very interesting to look at but they definitely give the book just the pop it needs to grab your attention. This book is perfect for younger readers.
Max's dragon shirt is a very cute innocent book. The illustrations make Max and sister out to be two chubby bunnies. It looks to me like the illustrations are pastel paint. The pictures aren't very interesting to look at but they definitely give the book just the pop it needs to grab your attention. This book is perfect for younger readers.
April 10, 2013
Max's blue pants are old and worn-out, so Ruby takes him to get new pants. She gets caught up in dresses, and cannot find him. He finds the dragon shirt he wants, and runs off with a cool-looking teenage girl to eat ice-cream with some cops.
When Ruby finds Max, he has gotten ice-cream all over the dragon shirt, so it has to be bought.
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When Ruby finds Max, he has gotten ice-cream all over the dragon shirt, so it has to be bought.
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Read online @ http://www.wegivebooks.org/books/maxs...
Remember that reading books online @ We Give Books earns books for local schools.
November 21, 2014
A. This book is about a bunny named Max whose pants are dirty. Max's sister takes Max to go get some new pants at the mall. Max wants a dragon shirt though. Max's sister only has $5 and cannot buy the shirt and the pants. Max and his sister get split up and Max goes and puts on the shirt. Max's sister eventually finds Max eating ice cream and has made a mess on the dragon shirt. Max's sister had to pay $5 for the dragon shirt.
B. The major theme of this book is about getting lost.
C. I would use this book to teach about not leaving your mom or dad at a store.
B. The major theme of this book is about getting lost.
C. I would use this book to teach about not leaving your mom or dad at a store.
December 2, 2008
For Caitlyn's Award
Level: Early
Genre: Picture Book
Topic: Brother and sister relationships
Curricular Use: Guided Reading
Social: Brother and sister relationships, having a bossy sister, having a brother who won't listen, getting lost in a mall, being responsible for a younger sibling
Literary Elements: Dialogue, Foreshadowing
Strong connection between the pictures and the text
Level: Early
Genre: Picture Book
Topic: Brother and sister relationships
Curricular Use: Guided Reading
Social: Brother and sister relationships, having a bossy sister, having a brother who won't listen, getting lost in a mall, being responsible for a younger sibling
Literary Elements: Dialogue, Foreshadowing
Strong connection between the pictures and the text
February 27, 2014
Max needs new pants. His old ones look (and probably smell) terrible! When his mother sends him to the store with his older sister, he only wants to get a dragon shirt. Ruby gets distracted and gets separated from Max! While they're trying to find each other, Max finds a dragon shirt. He loves it.
You'll have to read it to see if he ends up with new pants (that he really, really needs) or a dragon shirt (that he really, really wants).
Good for preschool storytime.
You'll have to read it to see if he ends up with new pants (that he really, really needs) or a dragon shirt (that he really, really wants).
Good for preschool storytime.
July 28, 2016
Max and Ruby go shopping to get Max a new pair of pants. But Ruby gets distracted trying on and looking at dresses for herself. Max wonders off and puts on a Dragon Shirt he wants to buy but Ruby has told him all along that they only have money for the pants. In the end someone finds him and takes him to the mall police who in turns buy him ice cream ruining the shirt. So Max gets his shirt after all.
March 12, 2016
While I think this one is a little to long for storytime I think it's a really cute book for one on one reading. Max needs new pants but he doesn't want them. He wants a new dragon t shirt. When they get to the store, his sister leaves him unattended and when he can't find her he finds the dragon shirt instead. I really liked the realistic reaction of the store personal and what clothes max ends up with but didn't like the last page. it left me hanging.
June 23, 2010
Max and Ruby go shopping to buy Max some new pants, but Ruby decides to look at some dresses. While she is changing, Max sneaks off to find what he REALLY wants - a dragon shirt. He manages to get one, have some ice cream and avoid having his big sister take over. Cute story. I love how little Max says - but they are often the most important lines in the book.
March 1, 2011
Max really wants to have a dragon shirt, but his bossy sister has her own plans. They went to the store where she starts trying dresses for herself, but at that time they get separated and Max starts to look for his sister all over the store. She finds him later wearing the dragon shirt which he got already dirty with ice cream. Now she needs to pay for the shirt, which was not in her plans.
July 22, 2012
I love Rosemary Wells. The expressions on her characters are so funny. I've read this book a few times over the years and always enjoy it. I have yet to see the TV show based on Max and Ruby so I'm not sure if they in any way compare to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews