Alexandra Boiger

Max and Marla, the boy/owl duo whose adventures began in the eponymous Max and Marla, and continued in Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic, return in this third picture-book devoted to their seasonal doings. As autumn winds blow, Max works to create a kite, convinced that in this way he and Marla can fly together. Timid Marla however, has different ideas, and is afraid to fly. It is only when a strong gust takes her away that she eventually finds her wings...

Like its predecessors, Max and Marla Are Flying Together pairs a sweet, heartwarming story of friendship with charming and expressive illustrations. Having explored winter (Max and Marla) and spring (Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic), I expected Alexandra Boiger to turn to summer next, so her choice to present an autumn tale here was unexpected. Of course, I see that Max and Marla Are Going on a Trip, due out next year (2020), is set in summer, so once that is published, she will have a nice seasonal quartet. However that may be, I enjoyed this one, appreciating its gentle message about being afraid of new things, and supporting our friends when they are afraid. Recommended to anyone who has enjoyed other Max and Marla stories, and to fans of Alexandra Boiger.… (mehr)

Best friends Max and Marla, whose adventures began in their eponymous first picture-book, return in this second story devoted to their doings. In Max and Marla they enjoyed a winter's day of sledding, but here they set out to share a delightful picnic on the first sunny day of spring. Unfortunately, when Max wanders away to gather flowers and Martha takes a brief nap, their delicious repast is spoiled by squirrels. Is the day ruined, or can Max and Marla find a way past their disappointment and anger...?

Like its predecessor, Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic pairs an engaging and heartwarming tale of two friends with adorable watercolor artwork. Max and Marla are quite a pair - I loved the fact that Marla is an owl, but is a little scatterbrained, rather than being stereotypically "wise," as strigine characters so frequently are - and I liked that their second adventure features spring, as it makes a natural follow-up to winter. Hopefully Alexandra Boiger will create a summer and autumn adventure for her heroes! Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first Max and Marla book, and to anyone looking for children's stories about friendship and/or dealing with disappointment and the upset of one's plans.… (mehr)

Best friends Max and Marla are determined sledders in this engaging winter-time picture-book from author/artist Alexandra Boiger. Although they encounter numerous challenges, from rusty sled blades to colds, they persevere, turning obstacles into victories like true Olympic champions.

I have enjoyed Alexandra Boiger's artwork in Marilyn Singer's Tallulah books, about a young would-be ballerina, so I was excited to pick up Max and Marla, her debut as both author and illustrator. The narrative here is engaging enough, spinning a tale of friendship and passion for sledding, but it is the artwork that really spoke to me. I enjoy winter scenes, so it stands to reason that I'd like the visuals here, but Boiger's watercolor artwork just has a certain insouciant charm to it, that I find very appealing. Marla, Max's owl friend, is particularly cute! Recommended to anyone looking for fun winter-time stories, or picture-books addressing the themes of friendship and perseverance.… (mehr)