Max’s Castle
Illustrated by Boris Kulikov Published October 2011
When Max finds a pile of forgotten toys under the bed, his brothers Benjamin and Karl wonder what’s so special about some old blocks. So Max shows them. With some clever twists of both blocks and imagination, he constructs not only a castle but an entire adventure, complete with pirates and knights, a dark dungeon and a dragon.
This ingenious sequel to Max’s Words and Max’s Dragons shows readers just how much fun wordplay can be.
Reviews
The New York Times
In ‘Max’s Castle,’ by Kate Banks, the letters are simply letters, yet become ingenious tools for sparking a child’s imagination…As with previous collaborations between Banks and the bold illustrator, Boris Kulikov (‘Max’s Words’, ‘Max’s Dragon’), words become magical amulets that transmogrify the world around Max.
Publishers Weekly *** Starred Review
Kulikov’s chalky, boldly lit illustrations have a bright energy that feels almost improvisational, working in seamless harmony with Banks’s nimble wordplay.
Kirkus *** Starred Review
Playful perspectives, vivid colors and animated action are brilliantly executed with details that require a second look, then a third.
School Library Journal
Brimming with clever wordplay, humor, and mixed-media scenes worthy of any child’s dreams-come-true, the full impact is clearly the result of seasoned collaboration and experience…