Max And Ruby's Midas (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Max and Ruby (Prebound))

From Publishers Weekly "I am going to read you a bedtime story about someone whose sweet tooth got out of control," announces authoritative Ruby after she catches Max, her puckish brother, hiding cupcakes in his pajamas. Max (and any child) will effortlessly absorb-if not necessarily learn from-the Midas legend presented here in Wells's (Max and Ruby's First Greek Myth/Pandora's Box) droll narrative and ink-and-watercolor art. Uncannily resembling Max, Midas is a gluttonous young bunny who hates fruits and vegetables. One morning, he "laser-beams his eyes" to turn a serving of melon topped with prune whip into a hot-fudge sundae. The magic works, but unfortunately his mother's hand is in the path of his beam, and she turns into a cherry float. Midas's father and big sister, respectively, suffer similar fates at lunch and at snacktime. This revisionist Midas learns his lesson, unlike the still-ravenous Max, who pulls a cupcake out of his pajamas as Ruby leaves his room-a winsome crowning touch, typical of the irrepressible Max and his clever creator. And the endpaper paintings of classical greco-bunny statues should not be missed. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1?Max and Ruby return, as once again the bossy elder bunny attempts to shape up her impish sibling through the power of myth, this time teaching him the folly of gluttony. As Max tries to sneak off with a plate of luscious cupcakes, Ruby seizes the golden opportunity and proceeds to read him a story of a young prince named Midas who eats only sweets and discovers his talent for turning dreaded dishes into delectable delights?as well as, unfortunately, anyone he happens to touch. His family is transformed into life-sized caricatures of his favorite desserts, looking at him mournfully as they take the form of a cherry float or blob of lime jello. It's a hilarious story within a story, with the players?all rabbits, of course?adorned in ancient Greek dress and set against sunlit scenes of cerulean waters and gentle mountains. The confectionary colors set just the right mood, as do the positioning of modern sweets against classical motifs. The book is easy to read and predictable in the best sense?as always, Max is undaunted by the lesson, and, once again, he gets the last word. A truly modern retelling, straight from the lagomorph's mouth, and full of child appeal.?Trev Jones, School Library JournalCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.