Maximillian Villainous

by Margaret Chiu Greanias, Lesley Breen Withrow (Illustrator)

For anyone who loved Leonardo, the Terrible Monster, this is a humorous and important book about learning to follow your heart and proving that kindness can outweigh villainy any day.

Maximillian Villainous is a monster who doesn't have the heart to be a villain. His famous family pulls pranks on the likes of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, and Max spends his time undoing them. So when he brings home a bunny to be his sidekick, Max's disapproving mother hatches a plan. She challenges Max and the bunny to become a devious duo; otherwise . . . the bunny hops. If they want to stay together, Max and the bunny have no choice but to go against their nature. They blunder into villainy with comical effect until Max discovers that embracing his good heart may just be the key to pulling off the most devious deed of all and winning his family's acceptance.

Delightfully fun and irreverent, Maximillian Villainous is an empowering story about embracing one's true self and finding acceptance. Up and coming illustrator Lesley Breen Withrow brings the characters to life with bold and colorful illustrations in a style reminiscent of Richard Scarry.

Genres: Picture Books, Monsters, Humor, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Rabbits

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 28, 2018

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maximillian's family is disappointed in Max's level of villainousness, especially when he decides to get a rabbit as a pet. The family forces him to do some villainous deeds to save the family name. And Maximillian cleverly outsmarts them.

This story is filled with clever wordplay and fun illustrations. I especially reveled in the unexpected ending.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about a young monster in a long line of villains who doesn't have an evil bone in his body, to his family's dismay, but finds a way to live up to their name regardless.

[Tara Luebbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book about a sweet monster just trying to be himself in an evil family. There is lots of fun puns in the text and the illustrations are adorable. Love this one.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximillian Villainous can't live up to his villainous family's brand because he can't help being helpful. When he brings a home a bunny for a sidekick, his family gives him an ultimatum: he can only keep him if she fulfills their list of villainous tasks to prove they're a devious duo. Can Max do this? Kids will love to follow Max as he attempts to meet his family's demands while staying true to himself.

[Kate Narita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute story that could be easily added to a holiday basket. Teachers and parents who have kids build leprechaun traps will totally want to check this story out. But what I like even more than the tip-of-the-hat to the various holidays, is the humorous and insightful play on words. Throughout the book, the adults use clever turns of speech, but in the end, it's Max who uses his knowledge of language and his creativity to turn he and his pet bunny, Bart, into a truly devious duo.

[Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is cute and fun to read. Kids will find it hilarious. The illustrations fit well with the tone of the book. I especially like the silly portraits in Maximillian's home and kept going back to look at them. I love the turn of phrases used by the parents who want Max to follow the family legacy of being villains: "Goodness grates on me!" and "My ray of darkness!"

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny and clever debut picture book. Max and his sidekick are definitely a devious duo and the ending surprise will leave readers smiling. The vibrant art perfectly complements this very enjoyable story.

[Sarah Reul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a sweet little do-gooder trying to keep his bunny sidekick in his family of villains. The illustrations are super colorful & cute - my kids especially loved the monster family & the underground bunny warren!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Maximillian doesn't seem to fit in with his family's villainous ways. When his parents give him an ultimatum, he manages to find a way to be villainous in his own kindhearted way.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Maximillian Villainous, written by Margaret Chiu Greanias and illustrated by Lesley Breen Withrow.

Maximillian is the youngest of the noted Villainous family. His parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. have made the Villainous name proud by doing monstrous misdeeds. But Max just doesn’t seem to have the same streak of trouble in him: he is polite, courteous, even going so far as to provide written apologies and conciliatory gestures to the victims of his family’s pranks. One day, he brings home a most unsuitable sidekick for evildoing – a fluffy bunny named Bert – and it’s the last straw. Max’s mother says that Bert may stay only if the duo can do one of three evil deeds: steal something, make someone cry, or become famous for their deviousness. Unwilling to part with his new friend, Max has to figure out a way to make his family proud… but can he do it without losing his true self?

Absolutely adorable. With some wonderful monster-themed illustrations, kid-pleasingly silly dialogue, and a fantastic plot twist, this was a fabulously enjoyable read. While some of the family’s exclamations were a bit mean – they are Villainous, after all – they do all come around when Max uses his unique talents to meet their demands by outsmarting the rules; they end up respecting Max’s differences, and sometimes that’s the best we can ask. I also loved that the story centers around the argument that it’s okay for boys to be sweet, nurturing, and kind – it’s a lesson that little ones are in desperate need of these days. The illustrations are filled with fun details, such as Max and Bert’s matching fur markings, and fit the tone just right. The length was good, and JJ loved it. A great one for reminding little ones that it’s okay to be different, and wonderful to be kind. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Cathy Mealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The monster members of Max’s family cannot understand why he is SO good and not at all villainous, as they are. MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS is kind, helpful and constantly scrambling to make amends for his family’s mischievous misdeeds. When Max brings home a bunny, his family decides to offer him the ultimate test. He must complete three devious, villainous tasks in order to keep his sweet, fluffy and otherwise unsuitable pet.

Max and bunny do try to tackle their tricky To Do list, but they are too nice! They fail repeatedly and humorously, although they persist in finding creative solutions. Eventually Max begins to despair that he can succeed in behaving badly. Will he be forced to give up his beloved rabbit? With comic antics and heart-tugging earnestness, eager readers will be delighted to discover whether Max and his bunny can uncover a solution that saves the day.

Withrow’s adorable illustrations are colorful, bright and filled with expression. Max and his family are clearly monsters, adorned with horns, fangs and claws, but they are also incredibly child-friendly, cute and appealing. Clever, whimsical elements are tucked onto every page for young readers to discover. Greanias’ playful dialogue and crisp pacing enhance the odds that MAXIMILLIAN VILLAINOUS will become a read-it-again, monstrous favorite in many homes

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maximillian’s story primarily focuses on someone being different than their family and how expectations set by others in the family may not fit what another person excels at. As a teacher, I wish I could read this book to so many people because I really struggle with parents and educators expect a kid to be a certain way because they know a sibling or a family member. That isn’t how it always works. I think this same theme could be used to talk about how expectations have to be differentiated in general, so I could actually see this story being used to talk to evaluators, leaders, etc. to talk about why Maximillian needed a change of assessment instead of the same as everyone else. Underlying, the message is that we can’t expect anyone to be anyway. Let them show you who they are and accept and love them as they are.

And all of these deep messages are within a funny story with fun illustrations about a monster who loves his bunny even though he is expected to be a villain.

Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...

[Sharon Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents naturally want their children to follow in their footsteps. Max Villainous belongs to such a family. Sometimes, their children want to forge a different path in life. Max, tired of the pranks his family pulls on Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Mother Nature doesn’t quite have the heart to be a villain.

One day, Max finds a bunny. Bunny’s as sweet as can be so although Max is enamored with him, Max’s mother delivers three villainous options for Bart and Max to carry out or Bart is history. Read this endearing read to find out how Bunny and Max satisfy Max’s family and stay true to themselves at the same time.

Favorite Line- “Thirteen generations of first-class villainy wiped out by a bunny,” . . .

Withrow’s illustrations are big, bold and expressive. The characters jump out on the pages, which include many two-page spreads. The Villanious family portraits are child-friendly and detailed.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max came from a long line of family villains. He knew he was different. He wasn’t like them at all. Max wouldn’t make someone cry on purpose and he certainly wouldn’t steal from anyone. Unfortunately for Max, his family wanted him to do something bad, tricky or become known for being devious. But that was just not Max. One day, Max brought home a pet bunny that he named Bart. His mother told him in order for him to keep his pet he must do three tasks. He must steal something, make someone cry and gain fame from doing a devious deed. Do you think Max could accomplish his tasks without actually being bad?

Author Margaret Chiu Greanias has written a delightful story of kindness. Young readers will enjoy cheerful illustrations that share how the character is thoughtful in his actions. Easy to read sentence structure is perfect for beginner readers. Parents and teachers can use this as a tool to show how students can be kind and ask what acts of kindness they’ve done.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the blurb provided here, "this is a humorous and important book about learning to follow your heart". Also, this picture book includes "proving that kindness can outweigh villainy any day."

To put it mildly, I'm a skeptic. For one thing...

ARE YOUNG CHILDREN DEVELOPED ENOUGH, INTELLECTUALLY OR EMOTIONALLY????

Are they developed enough so that they can "follow your heart"? And is this self-knowledge really learned by reading a story in a picture book, for crying out loud?

As for the language in this book, are words like "devious" comprehensible to three-year-olds? I don't think so.

This book has been written for the grownups.

I suppose that's good, if it adds some feel-good to their exhausting days taking care of young children. Otherwise? Kids won't really get it.

And, for that matter, plenty of adults like me will find nothing at all that's good in this book. Sorry.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute and clever picture book! Poor little Max is a misfit in his Villainous family, unable to keep up with his relatives' evil ways (and so soft-hearted he tries to repair the damage they cause). When he comes home with a cute little bunny pet, his mom is appalled: "Maximillian, my poison . . . a bunny is NOT a suitable sidekick." She lays down the law: these two must learn to be partners in crime . . . "Otherwise, the bunny hops." There's fun monstery language throughout the story. After some failed attempts, Max, with the help of a bunny brigade, hits on a way to be suitably villainous, while hewing to his own moral compass. Beautifully done. The illustrations are entertaining and colorful, and not too scary for young kids.
(I reviewed an electronic advance readers' copy.)

[Lauren- The Smile Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to #kidlitexchange for sharing a review copy of this book!
Maximillian Villianous by @margaretgreanias releases August 28th.
This is such a cute story! Max is being pushed to be villainous like his family, but he is such a nice monster! My kids loved the colorful illustrations by @lesleybreenwithrow.
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The idea of ‘stealing your heart’ is so adorable! We thought that was certainly better than stealing possessions and making people sad!
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This would be an adorable book to make monster portraits with. We discussed~ stealing your heart with love and kindness ~ It is important to make your own decisions even if you are being pushed to do something that you are not comfortable with.

[Hannah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviously delightful! Max comes from a family of villains, but clearly Max's heart has a soft spot for...everything (including bunnies!). His family is shocked and disheartened by his kind and thoughtful ways. When Max brings home a new pet, his mother sets conditions on its staying in the family. Max must prove that he and his pet can form an evil alliance or the bunny gets the boot.

I love the playful language in this book, like the monstrous pet names: "my poison" and "pretty please with spikes on top." The bright illustrations make even the prospect of eating eyeballs for dinner inviting. This laugh-out-loud (and not-too-scary) monster story is wickedly fun!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You two are less villain, more snuggly bunny …”

Even though he comes from a long line of villains, Max is different. In fact, Max spends a lot of time trying to smooth over the bad things that his relatives have done, like stealing Santa’s sleigh, for one. So when Max finds a bunny he wants to keep, his mother tells Max he can only keep the bunny if he does 1 of three villainous things: Steal something, make someone cry or gain fame by being devious. Max and Bart (the bunny) try to accomplish one of these things. But they all go against Max’s nature. What can he do?

A funny way to deliver the message about being true to your self.

[Jessie Oliveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable and humorous story about a monster who doesn't fit in. In a family of villains, he is just too nice. When his mother says he can keep his new pet bunny on condition he completes certain villainous tasks, Maximillian has to think outside the box and find a creative solution for completing the tasks while not losing himself. My favorite line: "Look a bunny parade!" Lots of funny, laugh out loud moments. The distinctive, bright illustrations lend to the atmosphere of this satisfying story about being yourself.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is Villainous in name only. He is actually anything but villainous. In fact, Max does everything he can to counter his family name and his family's deeds. He gives the tooth fairy his piggy back after his grandfather steals her money and he gives Santa the keys to the family car after his father steals his sleigh. But when Max brings home a bunny for a pet, his family draws the line. Unless he can prove his villainy, he cannot keep the bunny. Not only does Max find a way to keep his bunny, he also finds homes for lots of other bunnies as well.

[Tina Cho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Chiu Greanias’s Maximillian Villainous is a clever story with heart. Max comes from a long line of villains, but Max is different, not so villainous. Max wants a bunny which his family thinks is not something a villain should have. But Max is out to prove them wrong. After mom gives him a list of 3 villainous tasks, Max shows his family that having a bunny can be villainous after all. This is such a cute, poignant story that kids will love.

[Sue Hodara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who's felt like the "black sheep" of his/her family... or not quite a part of the crowd. This endearing picture book challenges its protagonist, Maximillian, to show his family what he's really "made of."

With the help of his bunny side-kick and a bunny brigade, Max finds a creative solution to his problem and realizes the only way to be, is being true to himself.

A great read-aloud with optimum snuggle potential!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

How lovely to read a story where the main character can’t help being kind! Although the theme of a character learning to accept his differences isn’t new, the author has provided a twist by having him come from a family of villains. The ending and solution to his problem was a nice surprise. I really liked the big, colorful illustrations. A nice book for discussions about kindness to others or working towards goals.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max comes from a long line of villains but he doesn't feel wicked. He prefers to be nice and has adopted a bunny as a sidekick. His mom assigns him three evil tasks to keep the bunny. He fails all three the first time but figures out a way to twist them and win the challenge - his bunny brigade "steals" the hearts of their new owners; the new owners cried (happy tears); he became famous for this act.
Clever twist on words and actions. Use to talk about interpreting statements and words.

[Michelle Cusolito · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story featuring Max, who despite being from a family of villains, is actually very sweet. Will he be accepted by his family?
My favorite line in the book is said by Max’s mom when he brings home a cute bunny: “A bunny is not a suitable sidekick.”
My 4 year-old nephew especially enjoyed the illustrations.

[Becky Shillington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This smart, hilarious book has an endearing main character, a wicked-funny supporting cast, and a plot filled with brilliant twists and turns. Greanias’ lively story pairs perfectly with Withrow’s bright, expressive illustrations—hopefully we’ll hear more about Maximillian Villainous from this dynamic author/illustrator duo!

[Wendy Greenley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is FUN! Sure, there's an underlying theme of being true to yourself, and good triumphs over evil, but the language is playful ("evil up!") and the characters' attempts to "reform" and become evil are delightfully silly. Paired with adorable illustrations, this book is a winner. The "monsters" are cute and shouldn't scare your little ones.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maximillian has a problem; he doesn't act or feel like a villain but his family are all villains. And Maximillian must learn to fit in with his new pet bunny. He has three tasks to complete. Fun read-aloud story to children and have them guess what he does and which task he attempts to please his family. The text has some puns in it that are very clever. Fun read aloud to children.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A monster from a long line of proud villains struggles to live up to his family's name. I like the colorful art style, and the solution of "stealing everyone's hearts" to impress his family. The inclusion of all sort of mythical and holiday beings made things feel a bit busy? But I still liked it and will probably include it in my Halloween displays.