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Max & Ruby and Twin Trouble
“Double trouble finds comic relief.” — Kirkus Reviews
From beloved author-illustrator Rosemary Wells comes a brand-new story about the inimitable brother and sister Max and Ruby. Max and Ruby’s family is expanding and soon enough nobody will be getting any sleep!
Max and Ruby are in for a big surprise. Mama has a baby in her tummy and soon the family will be bigger and better. Luckily Ruby knows all about what they eat, how to bathe them, and where they come from. Ruby tells Max all about it. Soon no one will be getting any sleep, but Max has an idea on how to help!
Max and Ruby have their own TV show on Nick Jr.!
From beloved author-illustrator Rosemary Wells comes a brand-new story about the inimitable brother and sister Max and Ruby. Max and Ruby’s family is expanding and soon enough nobody will be getting any sleep!
Max and Ruby are in for a big surprise. Mama has a baby in her tummy and soon the family will be bigger and better. Luckily Ruby knows all about what they eat, how to bathe them, and where they come from. Ruby tells Max all about it. Soon no one will be getting any sleep, but Max has an idea on how to help!
Max and Ruby have their own TV show on Nick Jr.!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Wells
484 books374 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 25, 2019
I love Max and Ruby, but the story here is pretty lame. The sudden introduction of new characters can be difficult, and here it comes off as Cousin Oliver desperation, especially when one of them is actually named Oliver.
And on top of the title twins, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the (first?) appearance of Max and Ruby's parents (!). This universe is exploding too fast.
And on top of the title twins, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the (first?) appearance of Max and Ruby's parents (!). This universe is exploding too fast.
November 12, 2019
When each of my older two girls was awaiting the arrival of a younger sibling, we read tons of picture books about welcoming new babies: Baby Dear by Esther Wilkin and Eloise Wilkin, The Other Dog by Madeleine L'Engle and Christine Davenier, You're a Big Sister by David Bedford and Susie Poole, The New Baby by Fred Rogers, Julius the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes, Snuggle the Baby by Sara Gillingham, etc. When we learned in early September that we are expecting twins this spring, I really wanted to find a picture book about a family welcoming twins to help all three girls, and especially my toddler, get used to the idea of bringing home two new babies. Imagine my surprise and delight when, just two days later, I was offered the opportunity to review this new Max and Ruby book on that very topic. (Thank you, Simon & Schuster!)
In the early part of this story, Ruby, the big sister, has much the same attitude toward her mother's pregnancy as I had toward mine when I thought I was only expecting a singleton. She has been through this whole thing before, and she's sure she's an expert. Max, who has been the youngest until now, listens as Ruby imparts her wisdom in the superior tone that only a big sister can get away with using. When Max and Ruby's mother returns home from the hospital, however, she is carrying not just one baby in her arms, but two. Though it turns out Ruby doesn't know everything about new babies, she and Max still have a hand in the adjustment to being a family of six, and it turns out that both of them have just the right amount of knowledge of babies to be able to comfort their sweet new siblings.
This book is a wonderfully positive portrayal of the experience of welcoming twins into a family where there are older siblings. It doesn't focus much at all on some of the things my kids are interested in, such as ultrasounds and the actual process of giving birth, which was a bit of a drawback for me, but because it is so vague on the details, it's ideal for two-and-three-year-olds. Parents can always fill in the appropriate level of detail for their kids as they share the book. My kids were also puzzled by the fact that Max and Ruby's mother doesn't seem to know she's having twins until she goes to the hospital, and I think that is probably the one flaw I see in the story. In this day and age, if a mother knows she is expecting, she knows how many she is having, if not at ten weeks like we did, then certainly by the midpoint of her pregnancy. I considered that the author may have chosen to write it this way in order for there to be a bit of an element of surprise when the twins come home from the hospital, but the title would already have ruined that surprise, so it seems like it's just an oddity for this specific anthropomorphic rabbit family.
There are really very few picture books available for families who are expecting twins, so this book definitely fills a need, and it could not have arrived at a better time for my kids! My girls have never read any other Max & Ruby books, nor do they watch the TV show, but they immediately recognized these characters as being somehow related to other rabbits they have loved in books like Timothy Goes to School, Noisy Nora, and Morris's Disappearing Bag, and this has made Twin Trouble a highly coveted book in our house. I expect it will stay high on the list of favorites for the next several months as we prepare for our new additions!
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
In the early part of this story, Ruby, the big sister, has much the same attitude toward her mother's pregnancy as I had toward mine when I thought I was only expecting a singleton. She has been through this whole thing before, and she's sure she's an expert. Max, who has been the youngest until now, listens as Ruby imparts her wisdom in the superior tone that only a big sister can get away with using. When Max and Ruby's mother returns home from the hospital, however, she is carrying not just one baby in her arms, but two. Though it turns out Ruby doesn't know everything about new babies, she and Max still have a hand in the adjustment to being a family of six, and it turns out that both of them have just the right amount of knowledge of babies to be able to comfort their sweet new siblings.
This book is a wonderfully positive portrayal of the experience of welcoming twins into a family where there are older siblings. It doesn't focus much at all on some of the things my kids are interested in, such as ultrasounds and the actual process of giving birth, which was a bit of a drawback for me, but because it is so vague on the details, it's ideal for two-and-three-year-olds. Parents can always fill in the appropriate level of detail for their kids as they share the book. My kids were also puzzled by the fact that Max and Ruby's mother doesn't seem to know she's having twins until she goes to the hospital, and I think that is probably the one flaw I see in the story. In this day and age, if a mother knows she is expecting, she knows how many she is having, if not at ten weeks like we did, then certainly by the midpoint of her pregnancy. I considered that the author may have chosen to write it this way in order for there to be a bit of an element of surprise when the twins come home from the hospital, but the title would already have ruined that surprise, so it seems like it's just an oddity for this specific anthropomorphic rabbit family.
There are really very few picture books available for families who are expecting twins, so this book definitely fills a need, and it could not have arrived at a better time for my kids! My girls have never read any other Max & Ruby books, nor do they watch the TV show, but they immediately recognized these characters as being somehow related to other rabbits they have loved in books like Timothy Goes to School, Noisy Nora, and Morris's Disappearing Bag, and this has made Twin Trouble a highly coveted book in our house. I expect it will stay high on the list of favorites for the next several months as we prepare for our new additions!
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
November 11, 2019
This book had me cracking up. Could've done without the creepy doll, but otherwise... #tooreal.
September 25, 2019
Max & Ruby have always been a favorite with my family from my childhood to that of my own children. This book slides right in with the rest of the beloved series.
Max & Ruby's mother has quite the big stomach. Max is convinced she ate too many cookies, but Ruby knows better. As she explains the situation to Max, he refuses to believe a word. After all, he's seen himself that babies arrive in taxis. When the big day comes and their mother heads to the hospital, both are excited to see what happens next. What awaits them is much more than either expected.
The tale hold true to the writing and atmosphere of the rest of Rosemary Wells' beloved series. Max and Ruby might get along well, but they don't always agree. Max stubbornness and ideas hit with light humor, which will have young listeners smiling. Kids with younger siblings will be familiar with many of the situations and relate to both Ruby and Max. There's a nice added tension as things get more than anyone can handle. The ending is warm, satisfying and leaves a smile as Max & Ruby book usually do.
The style is more traditional, making it stick out among the more modern tales found in current picture books. And it's good so. The wholesome story telling still will interest kids today and connect with them. The illustrations also hold true and portray Max & Ruby as everyone has learned to know and enjoy them. It's a great read aloud and a wonderful book to add to anyone's collection.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it very much as did my kids. So, I'm leaving our honest thoughts.
Max & Ruby's mother has quite the big stomach. Max is convinced she ate too many cookies, but Ruby knows better. As she explains the situation to Max, he refuses to believe a word. After all, he's seen himself that babies arrive in taxis. When the big day comes and their mother heads to the hospital, both are excited to see what happens next. What awaits them is much more than either expected.
The tale hold true to the writing and atmosphere of the rest of Rosemary Wells' beloved series. Max and Ruby might get along well, but they don't always agree. Max stubbornness and ideas hit with light humor, which will have young listeners smiling. Kids with younger siblings will be familiar with many of the situations and relate to both Ruby and Max. There's a nice added tension as things get more than anyone can handle. The ending is warm, satisfying and leaves a smile as Max & Ruby book usually do.
The style is more traditional, making it stick out among the more modern tales found in current picture books. And it's good so. The wholesome story telling still will interest kids today and connect with them. The illustrations also hold true and portray Max & Ruby as everyone has learned to know and enjoy them. It's a great read aloud and a wonderful book to add to anyone's collection.
I received an ARC and enjoyed it very much as did my kids. So, I'm leaving our honest thoughts.
December 6, 2019
First sentence: Max’s sister, Ruby, knew all about new babies. Mama and Papa were going to have one. “You can see for yourself, Max,” said Ruby. “There’s a new baby in there!” But Max knew Mama had eaten too many cookies. He showed Ruby the cookie jar. It was empty. “See!” Max said to Ruby.
Premise/plot: Max and Ruby are going to have a new brother or sister. Max knows little if anything about babies. Ruby, of course, claims to know everything. She remembers Max’s baby days. Plus she has a Hannah the Howler doll. But is this family ready to welcome twins?!?!
My thoughts: I love Max and Ruby though I am still adjusting to a Max that talks. But even though some things have changed through the years, this brother sister pair still have charm and humor.
Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5/
Total: 10/10
Premise/plot: Max and Ruby are going to have a new brother or sister. Max knows little if anything about babies. Ruby, of course, claims to know everything. She remembers Max’s baby days. Plus she has a Hannah the Howler doll. But is this family ready to welcome twins?!?!
My thoughts: I love Max and Ruby though I am still adjusting to a Max that talks. But even though some things have changed through the years, this brother sister pair still have charm and humor.
Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 5/5/
Total: 10/10
January 25, 2020
Max & Ruby help take care of their new twin siblings.
This would make a great new sibling book especially as Max and Ruby play a role in helping. It shows young readers what to expect from a new baby and features standard baby caretaking: feeding, diapering, bathing, and soothing.
I do believe this is the only Max & Ruby book I have ever read that featured their parents. Normally, Ruby acts in loco parentis.
The illustrations are more polished than the early books in this series, but they don’t approximate the computer generated style of the cartoon series and have a hand drawn feel.
This would make a great new sibling book especially as Max and Ruby play a role in helping. It shows young readers what to expect from a new baby and features standard baby caretaking: feeding, diapering, bathing, and soothing.
I do believe this is the only Max & Ruby book I have ever read that featured their parents. Normally, Ruby acts in loco parentis.
The illustrations are more polished than the early books in this series, but they don’t approximate the computer generated style of the cartoon series and have a hand drawn feel.
June 30, 2025
Seven-year-old Hannah knows all about how to take care of babies and tries to explain to three year-old Max what it will be like when Mama brings the new baby home. Max doesn’t believe anything she says, especially about where babies come from, being sure they come in a taxi. When Mama brings home twins instead of one baby, Max knows Hannah is right about one thing - babies are a lot of work! Fun story and illustrations.
June 28, 2019
Twin babies enter Max and Ruby's lives. Cute illustrations but the story is a bit slim.
October 17, 2019
Too many cookies... *giggle*
October 23, 2019
An extra star because I am so glad that we finally have proof that Max and Ruby have parents!!!!!
November 3, 2019
The bizarre ending kind of killed it for me. lol
January 2, 2020
It was cute.
January 29, 2020
Awwww...Max and Ruby have a new brother and sister. It's a good thing Ruby knows everything (as usual) about babies. Ending is a bit weird but love Max and Ruby!
May 7, 2020
Facebook Live 2020 Mother's Day
Max and Ruby's mom brings home not one but two surprises!
Max and Ruby's mom brings home not one but two surprises!
Read
August 3, 2021very cute
May 3, 2023
I love the show Max and Ruby. This book was cute, but not particularly interesting to me.
April 24, 2024
A rather boring story. Nothing really happens.
June 14, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Max & Ruby And Twin Trouble by Rosemary Wells, a gentle tale of what happens when not one, but two new babies are added to the titular siblings’ lives.
Latest in the pair’s series of adventures, Max and Ruby are preparing for the arrival of a new baby in their household. The oldest, Ruby is sure that she is practically an expert, especially after practicing with her Hannah the Howler baby doll. She even knows where babies come from, and tries to explain it to the younger Max, who insists he already knows: babies come from taxis, just like their little cousins did. Ruby attempts to get him to practice with Hannah, and while he watches with interest, he doesn’t quite understand the difference between a pretend baby and the soon-to-be real thing. Then the big day comes, but when mommy and daddy arrive home (in a taxi), there’s not just one new baby – there’s two! Ruby and Max help out however they can to keep the busy household moving along. That is, until one day when the twins simply won’t stop crying, and cannot be consoled. But it’s playful Max who just might have the unorthodox solution…
Sweet. Max and Ruby, despite being giant anthropomorphic rabbits, are refreshingly childlike in their interactions and logic, and this innocence leads to some gentle and relatable comedy. It’s also nice to see the pair genuinely excited for their new sibling(s), even if they’re a little misinformed; while many new baby books only explore the apprehension surrounding the family addition, this one shows excitement, and the helpful things little ones can do during this hectic time. The illustrations fit these themes of innocence and light humor; my only issue is the Hannah the Howler doll, which was just legitimately scary-looking, with her giant, sunken-looking eyes and lifeless open-mouthed grin. However, she serves a humorous point to the plot on two occasions, and so can be forgiven. The length is fine, and JJ enjoyed it, so we’ll call this one 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!
December 3, 2024
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: Primary
This book is a great book to introduce young children to what life might be like if they had a baby sibling. The storyline is fun and informative. I would recommend this book to anybody who is expecting a sibling or twins to their family.
Grade Level: Primary
This book is a great book to introduce young children to what life might be like if they had a baby sibling. The storyline is fun and informative. I would recommend this book to anybody who is expecting a sibling or twins to their family.
April 20, 2021
Genre: contemporary realistic
Grades : 3-4th
I think this was a great entertaining book. However I also thought it is a good way to educate children on pregnancy. In this book we saw how the characters handled their different problems.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews