Max

Max

By Marc Martin 
Published by Templar Publishing

Max is the new brilliant picture book from Melbourne based illustrator, Marc Martin. If you like the seaside, like cute seagulls and enjoy the odd chip or two you're in for a treat! 

As you might have guessed, Max is a seagull. And like most seagulls he's a little bit cheeky and a little bit mischievous. And you won't be surprised to hear that his two favourite things in the world are fish and chips. And being the cheeky seagull Max is, he befriends a Fish & Chip shop owner called Bob.

Bob and Max are the best of friends, Max visits Bob in his shop and keeps him company and in the evenings they fish together. But one day it all changes, the seaside is quieter than usual and Bob is nowhere to be found. So Max waits for him, but Bob doesn't come back, so Max decides its time to leave.

Max flies high in the sky and below him he sees many things, but no Bob. He catches a familiar smell on the breeze and follows it, taking him over trees, around the city and over tall buildings. Until he comes to a shop. A chip shop. Bob's shop!  

Marc captures the seaside perfectly, with the piers and Fun Fairs that usually exist in a seaside town (I had childhood memories of Blackpool going through my mind as I read this) covering each seaside spread. Marc's illustrations are beautifully rendered using watercolour textures and help give the book a Summer feel.

Max is perfect summertime reading (especially if you're going to visit the seaside this summer!). With the story having a strong emphasis on long lasting friendships, it will also teach children about how things can change over time and could help explain when a relative or friend has to move away.

If you'd like to know more about Marc Martin and his work, watch the author video below. Max is available to buy now from all good bookshops and online.