Today's read heads in a direction, I personally, love—books written in other languages/cultures and translated into English. Especially since these book, obviously, have done so far. This one centers around a boy, an elderly woman, and a cat. And I'm hoping it packs tons of heart.
Let's find out!
THE WORLD OF MAXIME
by Lucile de Peslouan
Illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn
Greystone Kids
Children's Fiction
112 pages
ages 7 to 10
COMING...
MAY 20th!!!
For fans of Katie the Catsitter and Matilda, comes a heartwarming story for kids ages 7-10 about finding courage and discovering the possibility of new friendships.
Maxime is ten years old. Her favorite things are her books and cats—especially her own cat, Turmeric. Like Matilda, the heroine of her favorite book, she feels different. She wouldn’t mind being like other kids but they make so much noise, it hurts her ears. So, her friends are the characters in her books, and her cat. If she were brave enough, she would talk to the new girl at school, who carries a copy of Matilda in her book bag.
One day, she finds some mysterious bowls in the alley behind her house. She dresses up like a detective in order to investigate and meets an older woman, Catamou, who feeds the neighborhood's stray cats. Soon enough, the two become friends. Maxime confides in Catamou, who encourages her to introduce herself to the new girl at school.
This heartwarming story by award-winning author Lucile de Pesloüan is told alongside graphic-style illustrations by celebrated artist Jacques Goldstyn.
An ode to cat-lovers, The World of Maxime is a celebration of friendship and an inspiring story about finding confidence in yourself.
Maxime is ten years old. Her favorite things are her books and cats—especially her own cat, Turmeric. Like Matilda, the heroine of her favorite book, she feels different. She wouldn’t mind being like other kids but they make so much noise, it hurts her ears. So, her friends are the characters in her books, and her cat. If she were brave enough, she would talk to the new girl at school, who carries a copy of Matilda in her book bag.
One day, she finds some mysterious bowls in the alley behind her house. She dresses up like a detective in order to investigate and meets an older woman, Catamou, who feeds the neighborhood's stray cats. Soon enough, the two become friends. Maxime confides in Catamou, who encourages her to introduce herself to the new girl at school.
This heartwarming story by award-winning author Lucile de Pesloüan is told alongside graphic-style illustrations by celebrated artist Jacques Goldstyn.
An ode to cat-lovers, The World of Maxime is a celebration of friendship and an inspiring story about finding confidence in yourself.
MY TIDBITS
Courage, mystery, and the love for cats makes this a read to get lost in and enjoy over and over again.
Maxime loves two things in life: reading and cats. She's not a fan of school, and definitely not of the books they have to read there...which says a lot since she loves books. She also doesn't like all the rules her working mother lays down, and one of those is not to feed any cats but your own. Which Maxime obeys right along with the rest even if not happily. But then, she discovers empty cat food bowls around the neighborhood and realizes that something is going on. Now, she's on a mission to figure out who is behind the odd bowls.
This is a lovely tale, which will hit home with young readers and give them a character to understand and connect with. Maxime's likes and dislikes make sense and strike a chord. While she's kind and mostly a 'good girl', she still has a slightly rebellious side and enough curiosity to drive independence. Readers will be right with her as she takes matters into her own hands, wields her detective gear (so cute!), and heads out to solve the mystery. It's easy to root for her and inspiring when she meets someone, who challenges her and opens her up to something she didn't even know she was missing. In other words, this is a grabbing tale with tons of goodness and keeps the readers in the tale until the very end.
Despite the heavier page count, this is a picture book, and it works splendidly. There's a short paragraph or two on each page, which is very appropriate for chapter book readers, who love picture books while knowing their words pretty well. It is even still very do-able as a read-aloud for the middle and upper end of the usual picture book audience. The vocabulary is appropriate for the level, and the plot keeps the pace high and interesting.
The illustrations draw in and can be flipped through by non-readers, who want to enjoy the 'story' on their own. There are many details worked into the settings, and each one strengthens the atmosphere as needed. Especially seeing Maxime frustrated or dealing with daily life adds a slight bit of humor and her detective skills are more than entertaining.
This is a grabbing read from beginning to end and is sure to be a favorite for readers...especially cat and mystery fans.
And here they are...
Lucile de Pesloüan began to publish her writing in the form of fanzines in 2012, under the name of Shushanna Bikini London. Her first book, the graphic novel What Makes Girls Sick and Tired, has won many prizes. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Jacques Goldstyn is an illustrator and a political cartoonist who began life as a geologist. He received the Governor General’s Award in 2017 for his book Azadah and was inducted to the Canadian Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2018. His graphic novel, The Stars, was also published by Aldana Libros.
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