Max the Champion - Hardcover

Stockdale, Sean; Strick, Alex

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1847803881 ISBN 13: 9781847803887

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2014

Synopsis

Max is mad about sports. As he gets up, has breakfast, and heads off to school he is dreaming of competing in world-class sporting events. In his real day he and his class win the school soccer match, but in his imagination he and his friends are winning the World Cup. This inclusive picture book is a lively and fun approach to sports, showing children of all abilities mixing and enjoying different sports in a natural way. The games include soccer, rugby, cricket, diving, discus throwing, and cycling.

About this title

About the Author

Alex Strick has worked in the children's book world for much of the past 15 years. A consultant to Booktrust on all aspects of disability and diversity, she is also the cofounder of Outside In, a U.K. organization dedicated to exploring books from around the world. Former teacher Sean Stockdale has extensive experience working with disabled children and promoting equality and inclusion. Ros Asquith contributes Doris, a regular cartoon feature, to The Guardian, and is the author of the Teenage Worrier books, which explore the many anxious moments facing teenagers. All three live in London.

Review

"Ros Asquith’s ebullient illustrations capture Max’s irrepressible energy in this warm hearted, inclusive picture book." - Julia Eccleshare, Love Reading

"This book features forms of disability never before included in books, subtly and without reference." - Books for Keeps

"What this book is, is a celebration of fun activity, showing us how a diverse mix of people make Max’s reality (and his dreams) all the more vibrant and interesting, and it sends out the message that the same is true for all of us." - Booktrust

"An exciting and inclusive story." - Carousel

"The children and adults are just being themselves, not set apart in any way, and this is how disability should be shown in children’s books and so rarely is. Inclusivity should be just that, so usual as to be un-noticeable... a special book." - Books for Keeps

"Could this be the perfect inclusive book? . . . A celebration of fun activity, showing us how a diverse mix of people make Max’s reality (and his dreams) all the more vibrant and interesting, and it sends out the message that the same is true for all of us." - Bookmark

"It's a book which should make us stop and think about inclusion, as well as being a fun story about a very imaginative little boy. Colourful illustrations by Ros Asquith capture the spirit of the book." - Parents in Touch

"Ros Asquith’s ebullient illustrations capture Max’s irrepressible energy in this warm hearted, inclusive picture book." - Love Reading

"A good book . . . for promoting inclusion and positive attitudes towards those with disabilities." - Early Years Educator

"The book shows children with and without disabilities enjoying sport together in an attractive and funny mainstream picture book." - Connected

"Selected by Fiona Noble in Bookseller Children's Previews: Picture Books for June. 'A lively, fun story promoting inclusivity and a positive portrayal of children enjoying sport with and without disabilities." - The Bookseller

• "Ros Asquith’s ebullient illustrations capture Max’s irrepressible energy in this warm hearted, inclusive picture book."
  

Recommended in an article about dyslexia: 'Shows a very positive and non-specific scene in which a thoroughly diverse and inclusive class of children is practising handwriting, with no direct mention of dyslexia.'

"This book features forms of disability never before included in books, subtly and without reference."

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1847803881
• ISBN 13: 9781847803887
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Asquith Ros