Author: Shari Becker

Illustrated by Nicole Wong

ISBN: 1580890474

The following review was contributed by:   Lily Azerad-Goldman: CLICK TO VIEW Lily Azerad-Goldman's Reviews

Maxwell’s Mountain is a witty metaphor on how to overcome obstacles.

Debut children’s author Shari Becker conveys a simple but potent message that you can do anything, provided you put your mind to it. Maxwell’s Mountain is disarmingly simple, while at the same time inspiring us to follow our dreams.

Maxwell, a little boy of 6 or 7, trudges to his usual boring park and is awed by the mountain surrounding it. He prepares to climb it with his little toy soldier Harry, contrary to his mom warning that this exercise is for big boys only.

Just like a true to life outdoorsman, Maxwell prepares himself for his climb, as he gathers his gear and exercises running up and down the stairs at home. His “to do” list is just precious! When he is finally ready, his courageous mom and dad say goodbye to their intrepid son at the bottom of the dangerous mountain, a fact I found a trifle difficult to believe. But then, it is a children's story!  Slowly but surely, “using his head” as his mom advises him, he follows the yellow dotted path, gets lost a little and finally reaches his goal. Maxwell is ultimately rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of his village bordering a river.

Nicole Wong’s watercolor illustrations in pen and ink are a perfect compliment to Becker’s narrative- a feast for the eyes! Her ever- shifting perspective going higher and higher on the mountain conveys Maxwell’s excitement and exuberance for climbing the mountain.

Becker’s brisk and sassy writing combined with Nicole Wong’s playful illustrations will keep readers turning pages.