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Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever

Author Ruth Spiro
Illustrated by Holly Hatam
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Hardcover
$17.99 US
8.88"W x 9.31"H x 0.35"D   | 11 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Feb 16, 2021 | 40 Pages | 9780399186301
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD550L | Fountas & Pinnell L
Best friends Maxine and Leo combine their maker and artistic skills to create (and save!) the ultimate garden in this empowering, STEM-focused picture book

After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they've made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they're not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can't agree on a way to deter these unwelcome critters, it looks like there's more on the line than saving their garden--they just might need to save their friendship too.
"Hatam offers kids lots of minutiae to look at, including clever endpapers with comical one-liners . . . Her detailed, animated, vibrant drawings accentuate the drama and neatly depict the concluding message that celebrates compromise . . . Kids will enjoy the quirky visuals while appreciating the creative relationship of these two companions." —Kirkus

"The digital illustrations show small detailed and colorful vignettes of Maxine, her family, and friends in full invention mode . . . Each has a strong personal view and a bit of attitude as they express themselves through their approaches . . . This title allows young readers to view changing relationships through strong-willed characters who learn how to work together." —School Library Journal
© Holly Hatam
HOLLY HATAM is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, along with a handful of other children's books. She illustrates in a whimsical, quirky mixed-media art style. In addition to children's books and graphic design, Holly's other passions include snuggling with her husband and son, spending time hugging trees, filling up her pantry with tea, and sticking her nose in a book. She and her family live in Ontario, Canada. Visit her at hollyhatam.com and @hollyhatamillustration. View titles by Holly Hatam

Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever - Read Aloud With Illustrator Holly Hatam | Brightly Storytime

About

Best friends Maxine and Leo combine their maker and artistic skills to create (and save!) the ultimate garden in this empowering, STEM-focused picture book

After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they've made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they're not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can't agree on a way to deter these unwelcome critters, it looks like there's more on the line than saving their garden--they just might need to save their friendship too.

Praise

"Hatam offers kids lots of minutiae to look at, including clever endpapers with comical one-liners . . . Her detailed, animated, vibrant drawings accentuate the drama and neatly depict the concluding message that celebrates compromise . . . Kids will enjoy the quirky visuals while appreciating the creative relationship of these two companions." —Kirkus

"The digital illustrations show small detailed and colorful vignettes of Maxine, her family, and friends in full invention mode . . . Each has a strong personal view and a bit of attitude as they express themselves through their approaches . . . This title allows young readers to view changing relationships through strong-willed characters who learn how to work together." —School Library Journal

Author

© Holly Hatam
HOLLY HATAM is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, along with a handful of other children's books. She illustrates in a whimsical, quirky mixed-media art style. In addition to children's books and graphic design, Holly's other passions include snuggling with her husband and son, spending time hugging trees, filling up her pantry with tea, and sticking her nose in a book. She and her family live in Ontario, Canada. Visit her at hollyhatam.com and @hollyhatamillustration. View titles by Holly Hatam

Media

Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever - Read Aloud With Illustrator Holly Hatam | Brightly Storytime