What do you think?
Rate this book
Max and Ruby
Maxs Christmas Read Along
Who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to bring presents to good little bunnies? Santa Claus, that's who And Max wants to stay up and see him. Max's bossy, older sister Ruby doesn't want him to stay awake, but, as always, irrepressible Max has other ideas. He sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa...with unexpected results
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Rosemary Wells
488 books388 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 30, 2012
I actually first saw “Max’s Christmas” on a video from Weston Woods and from then on, I was so intrigued by this story! “Max’s Christmas” is a cute children’s book by Rosemary Wells and it is about how Max tries to see Santa Claus for the first time! “Max’s Christmas” is a truly wonderful story that children can easily read for Christmas!
When Max’s sister Ruby tells Max that Santa Claus is coming to their house, Max keeps asking Ruby about who Santa Claus is and can he see him, although Ruby tells Max that he cannot see Santa Claus since no one has. But, Max still wanted to see Santa Claus despite his sister’s warnings and he decides to go downstairs and wait for Santa Claus to come.
Will Max be able to see Santa Claus?
Oh my goodness! There is just so much about this book that I really enjoyed! For one thing, Rosemary Wells’ writing is extremely simplistic and cute and even though there are only a few words on each page, it really brought out the innocence of children being excited for Santa Claus’ arrival. I loved the way that Rosemary Wells had Max ask Ruby questions about who Santa Claus is and what he does by stating “What, who, when, where, how, and why?” It was just so cute seeing Max being curious about Santa Claus and how Ruby tries to answer Max’s questions the best she can. The book is extremely easy for children to read through since there are only a few words on each page and I think that many children can relate to Max’s situation as he wants to see if Santa Claus is real or not. I remember when I was small; I wanted to try to sneak out into the middle of the night on Christmas Eve just to see if Santa Claus was coming to our house! Rosemary Wells’ illustrations are just truly cute as the main characters in this book are small white rabbits that have pudgy bodies and small eyes. My favorite images were of Max jumping up and down on his bed in his red pajamas as he looks extremely cute since he has a smile on his face and his round body is leaping off the bed. I also loved the images of the Christmas tree that Max and Ruby have as it is small, but the way that the lights glow off the Christmas tree just made the image look truly beautiful.
Overall, “Max’s Christmas” is a truly wonderful book by Rosemary Wells for children who want to read about characters experiencing their joys of meeting Santa Claus and they will easily enjoy this book for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages three and up since the writing is extremely simple for small children to get a grasp on the story.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
When Max’s sister Ruby tells Max that Santa Claus is coming to their house, Max keeps asking Ruby about who Santa Claus is and can he see him, although Ruby tells Max that he cannot see Santa Claus since no one has. But, Max still wanted to see Santa Claus despite his sister’s warnings and he decides to go downstairs and wait for Santa Claus to come.
Will Max be able to see Santa Claus?
Oh my goodness! There is just so much about this book that I really enjoyed! For one thing, Rosemary Wells’ writing is extremely simplistic and cute and even though there are only a few words on each page, it really brought out the innocence of children being excited for Santa Claus’ arrival. I loved the way that Rosemary Wells had Max ask Ruby questions about who Santa Claus is and what he does by stating “What, who, when, where, how, and why?” It was just so cute seeing Max being curious about Santa Claus and how Ruby tries to answer Max’s questions the best she can. The book is extremely easy for children to read through since there are only a few words on each page and I think that many children can relate to Max’s situation as he wants to see if Santa Claus is real or not. I remember when I was small; I wanted to try to sneak out into the middle of the night on Christmas Eve just to see if Santa Claus was coming to our house! Rosemary Wells’ illustrations are just truly cute as the main characters in this book are small white rabbits that have pudgy bodies and small eyes. My favorite images were of Max jumping up and down on his bed in his red pajamas as he looks extremely cute since he has a smile on his face and his round body is leaping off the bed. I also loved the images of the Christmas tree that Max and Ruby have as it is small, but the way that the lights glow off the Christmas tree just made the image look truly beautiful.
Overall, “Max’s Christmas” is a truly wonderful book by Rosemary Wells for children who want to read about characters experiencing their joys of meeting Santa Claus and they will easily enjoy this book for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages three and up since the writing is extremely simple for small children to get a grasp on the story.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
December 11, 2018
It's been a long time since I read any books about Max and Ruby, a couple of funny-looking rabbit siblings. I may have seen this one in my childhood, but if I did, I don't remember... so it was like reading it for the first time.
Max is always asking, "Why?" and, for the most part, the people around him don't seem to know the answers... other than, "Because." As Ruby gets Max ready for bed, she tells him about how Santa Claus is going to come. Of course, Max wants to know how Santa's going to get down the chimney. Ruby shuts him up with, "That's enough questions, Max."
But Max wants his questions answered, so he sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa. When the big guy arrives, Max has even more questions for him. Santa, to his credit, tries to answer as best he can... for the most part.
The pictures are simple, and kind of nostalgic for me, since I do remember these characters from my childhood. Everyone's drawn as a fat bunny rabbit. How can that not be cute?
Overall, this is one of the stronger Christmas picture books I've read so far this year. I didn't love it, but I think it'll appeal to kids more than adults, anyway.
Max is always asking, "Why?" and, for the most part, the people around him don't seem to know the answers... other than, "Because." As Ruby gets Max ready for bed, she tells him about how Santa Claus is going to come. Of course, Max wants to know how Santa's going to get down the chimney. Ruby shuts him up with, "That's enough questions, Max."
But Max wants his questions answered, so he sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa. When the big guy arrives, Max has even more questions for him. Santa, to his credit, tries to answer as best he can... for the most part.
The pictures are simple, and kind of nostalgic for me, since I do remember these characters from my childhood. Everyone's drawn as a fat bunny rabbit. How can that not be cute?
Overall, this is one of the stronger Christmas picture books I've read so far this year. I didn't love it, but I think it'll appeal to kids more than adults, anyway.
December 2, 2025
Ruby tells Max that Santa is coming on Christmas Eve, and Max has questions and a little reconnaissance to perform.
This cute little tale has been charming my daughter and me since she was two and has been frequently re-read over the decades.
This cute little tale has been charming my daughter and me since she was two and has been frequently re-read over the decades.
January 11, 2011
Cute Christmas story starring our favorite little sibling bunnies, Max and Ruby. Ruby is as bossy as ever and Max is just as determined to get his own way. Our youngest loves this series and I was very excited that she was able to read this whole book to me today. I love it when she is willing to try her reading skills out on new books and it doesn't hurt when it features some of her favorite characters.
December 10, 2010
While I don't love this one as much as Max's Chocolate Chicken, it's still pretty fun holiday reading for littlest readers. I think I like Chocolate Chicken better because of Max's delicious rebellion against bossy big sister, Ruby. As the youngest of 4 girls, I identify with Max a little bit. :)
September 2, 2018
I wish Max wasn't always foiling Ruby; she's a good big sister.
August 9, 2016
This book is small (about 7x7 inches) but good with story time. Max is full of questions about Christmas. Why? Why not? His older sister Ruby patiently explains but Max doesn't believe a word she says and doesn't consider "because" an answer.
The story time crowd can relate to Max. You will have their rapt attention as you share this.
The story time crowd can relate to Max. You will have their rapt attention as you share this.
April 13, 2021
Max waits up for Santa.
January 14, 2020
Max is a little bunny with a lot of questions and curiosity. His questions continue on for so long that he finally gets the exasperated response of "BECAUSE" from his sister. This brought a smile from Arely as we were reading it, because every child has received that answer in exasperation to their endless questions and can relate. Max's curiosity about Santa takes over and he doesn't follow his sister's advise to go to bed and stay there. Instead he sneaks downstairs and has a very endearing exchange with Santa Claus who also becomes frustrated with Max's endless questions and finally responds with "BECAUSE." This is an adorable Christmas story that most kids will relate to and enjoy. I know that I enjoyed it!
February 15, 2024
To teach Santa Claus is real is actually a lie and makes him out to be like God. Unhealthy. It takes away from the reason for the season which is the birth of Jesus. Those who aren’t Christians don’t realize this problem. Many Christians don’t either. Ask your teenagers and grown children how they felt when they learned there was no Santa. Many will say Christmas was never the same. Ask yourself the same question. CathyR
September 24, 2021
Always a Max and Ruby fan, 'just discovered this copy at a used bookstore and fell in love with them
again. The classic 'waiting up for Santa' plot with Max pulling a trick on Ruby in the last two pages.
Ruby, always the older sister hustles Max to bed, never answering his constant questions, "Who? When? Where? "How?" Why?"
Favourite page: Ruby telling Max to spit as he brushes his teeth.
again. The classic 'waiting up for Santa' plot with Max pulling a trick on Ruby in the last two pages.
Ruby, always the older sister hustles Max to bed, never answering his constant questions, "Who? When? Where? "How?" Why?"
Favourite page: Ruby telling Max to spit as he brushes his teeth.
December 6, 2025
A charming classic has Max asking his sister questions about Santa Claus and then actually meeting him on Christmas Eve. It is a short simple funny story perfect for a read aloud. I would also recommend the Scholastic/Weston Woods video version.
December 11, 2017
cute board book about the newness of Christmas to a sibling. Cute family book.
November 27, 2018
Max always makes me smile!
December 11, 2018
Max waits up for Santa and sees him deliver presents. In the morning he has all the presents under his blanket.
January 1, 2019
Lil Baroness really dug this one, which is a reasonably good introduction to the basic Santa Claus concept for a 2 1/2 year old with an older sibling.
July 19, 2019
Delightful 🌷
November 8, 2020
Quintessential Max. I enjoy Rosemary Wells' characters, at least on the page.
December 15, 2021
Max waits up for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Ruby informs Max of Santa’s impending visit and then puts him to bed, but with typical Max tenacity, Max sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa.
Ruby informs Max of Santa’s impending visit and then puts him to bed, but with typical Max tenacity, Max sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa.
December 3, 2022
I've never said "Max" more in my life.
December 8, 2023
My grandchildren loved it! I had to read it to them several times.
December 16, 2024
I remember reading this as a child. Still classic.
December 26, 2024
I love Max and Rosie; great Christmas book for young kids (and their parents).
December 22, 2025
Looking for my next children's Christmas story for my collection. This was NOT it.
December 22, 2016
Very cute book. I love Max and Rudy.
December 29, 2020
I revisited "Max's Christmas" this 2020 season and I am still intrigued by this book. Perhaps it is Max's curiosity and/or his sister's repeated reply, "because." A delightful book for parents to share with little ones and answer their questions about Christmas..."because."
November 26, 2014
I love watching Max and Ruby. I've seen the adaptation of Max's Christmas plenty of times before I read the book. If you like the show, chances are you'll enjoy reading this book. It is very similar. For those new to these lovable siblings, Ruby is the older sibling. She seems to be raising Max all on her own. (Ruby and Max don't have parents. They have a Grandma, but, she does not live with Max and Ruby.) Max is the younger sibling. He is many things: cute, clever, curious. Yes, he can be mischievous, but, he is also super-observant. I love, love, love them both. I might like Max a tiny bit better than Ruby. But still. I love them both.
In this book, readers join Ruby and Max on Christmas Eve night. Ruby is trying her best to get Max to get ready for bed, to go to sleep. Max is excited, of course. Once he knows that Santa is coming to his house tonight, he wants to see it for himself. So he goes downstairs to wait for Santa....
I liked this one very much.
In this book, readers join Ruby and Max on Christmas Eve night. Ruby is trying her best to get Max to get ready for bed, to go to sleep. Max is excited, of course. Once he knows that Santa is coming to his house tonight, he wants to see it for himself. So he goes downstairs to wait for Santa....
I liked this one very much.
January 28, 2016
This short story begins with Ruby helping her little brother Max get ready for bed. However, since it is Christmas Eve, Max is much too excited to fall asleep and instead sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa Claus. But will Santa ever arrive with Max waiting right there? After all just like Ruby says "Nobody ever sees Santa Claus."
This is a great Christmas story for young readers in that the text is primarily dialogue while the illustrations reveal most of the events and actions in order to complete the story. Max's character should be very relatable for most children due to his holiday excitement, curiosity about Santa, and constant supply of questions that are often met with the irritating response "Because". The illustrator also makes great use of color in her simple drawings. Max's vibrant red pajamas relate his energy while contrasting Ruby's light blue nightgown and their house's yellow walls suggest the warmth and happiness surrounding the magical Christmas season.
This is a great Christmas story for young readers in that the text is primarily dialogue while the illustrations reveal most of the events and actions in order to complete the story. Max's character should be very relatable for most children due to his holiday excitement, curiosity about Santa, and constant supply of questions that are often met with the irritating response "Because". The illustrator also makes great use of color in her simple drawings. Max's vibrant red pajamas relate his energy while contrasting Ruby's light blue nightgown and their house's yellow walls suggest the warmth and happiness surrounding the magical Christmas season.
Want to Read
August 21, 2014-- re. christmas;
-- re. santa claus;
Despite his sister Ruby's admonitions, Max waits up on Christmas Eve to see Santa Claus coming down the chimney.
Santa's on the way! Max has plans to stay up late to see Santa Claus, but his big sister, Ruby, wont let him. #147;Why?" asks Max. To which Ruby replies everyone's most despised answer: #147;BECAUSE!" So Max takes matters into his own hands and sneaks into the living room to wait for Santa on his own. Will Santa still show up? What will he say if he sees Max up waiting for him?
-- re. santa claus;
Despite his sister Ruby's admonitions, Max waits up on Christmas Eve to see Santa Claus coming down the chimney.
Santa's on the way! Max has plans to stay up late to see Santa Claus, but his big sister, Ruby, wont let him. #147;Why?" asks Max. To which Ruby replies everyone's most despised answer: #147;BECAUSE!" So Max takes matters into his own hands and sneaks into the living room to wait for Santa on his own. Will Santa still show up? What will he say if he sees Max up waiting for him?
October 27, 2013
A story about two of my favorite, childhood characters. Ruby has told her younger brother, Max, all about Santa Claus; how he comes once their sleeping, what he brings, and how no one has ever seen him before. Max decides to be stubborn, as always, and is determined to disobey his sister and await Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve night. A fun and colorful book for younger students.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews