Art & Max

David Wiesner

BookEarly ChildhoodElementaryArtist

About

Max and Arthur are friends who share an interest in painting. Arthur is an accomplished painter; Max is a beginner. Max’s first attempt at using a paintbrush sends the two friends on a whirlwind trip through various artistic media, which turn out to have unexpected pitfalls. Although Max is inexperienced, he’s courageous—and a quick learner. His energy and enthusiasm bring the adventure to its triumphant conclusion. Beginners everywhere will take heart.

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Why it’s great

When Max’s paint explosion strips his friend Arthur down to bare lines, readers witness watercolor, pointillism, and mixed media unfold in real time. Wiesner’s playful plot doubles as a crash course in mediums and mistakes—​and how mistakes fuel invention. The vibrant spreads beg to be pored over again and again. Perfect for encouraging resilience and artistic risk-taking.