Max is a clean kid. I didn't say clean cut- he still gets into trouble (and by the end of this book, he'll get into a bunch.) No, Max is a clean kid because his mom and dad are absolutely terrified of him getting the slightest bit dirty. So why did they move to the town of Marsh Creek, a burg so muddy, it oozes everywhere from the bubbling creek that gives the township its name?
As Max's parents get even more obsessive about his cleanliness, the lad and his buddy Patrick, an electrician whiz, go on the hunt for answers. The mystery as to Max's need to be clean deepens when Max discovers a picture of a baby with his parents. The kid definitely isn't Max and when his folks freak out over the picture, our young hero decides to finally get down and dirty.
Now Max has his answer as to why his parents don't want him to get the least bit dirty as mud gives the youth incredible super powers. After a few successful missions, Max decides nothing is wrong with getting a little dirty and becomes Muddy Max. But when the mud begins to not want to come off, maybe there is some to his folks' OCD.
Muddy Max was a great story and it's a perfect selection for Family Comic Friday. It's got a clever plot, some great dialogue, intriguing characters, and a bunch of great mysteries to solve- like how did Max get his powers and just what about that picture of the mysterious child?Not only is this book entertaining, it's also educational.
But it's a subtle teaching method, like that in Schoolhouse Rock! Also in the back of the book is a selection of fun things for kids to learn and do. With a variety of experiments, a tech lesson on facial aging programs, and much more, the special section at the book's end makes the muddy fun come alive.
There's even an art lesson in the special section. It explains some of the artist's inspiration for some of the creative things Max makes with mud. I wish some examples of the art would've been published instead of just a few websites and book references. Another thing I think is missing from this books is a writing activity. With all of the experiments in this book, an opportunity to get kids writing something like an experiment log or even a chance to create a new type of dirty superhero (or even a villain for Max) would've been appropriate. But maybe those are activities that could be added to future volumes.
Though Muddy Max has a definite ending there's a number one on the book's spine. So hopefully there will be some sequels. This potential series is so good, it would be a shame to let it go to waste. The publisher, Amp! Comics for Kids, also offers bulk discount rates for teachers as well as teaching guides. With a subplot on bullying, this story has both a social and scientific educational impact for kids.
An classic series in the making that I highly recommend.
Worth Consuming
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
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