Max, the Airedale terrier, tells his life story through his mom, Robin Reynolds in the beautifully illustrated book Life to the MAX: Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max.

Max tells his life story through short, one-page snippets of adventures, calamities and changes that occur from the day he arrives at his new home from the Humane Society. Photographs of Max and his Airedale sisters appear throughout the book. Max’s mug shot appears by the 20 Maxims that accompany each short story in the book. These Maxims offer positive words of wisdom and inspiration from Max to make everyone’s journey through life a little easier.

On a glossy, blue page illustrated with waves and life preservers, Maxim #11 states, “People who really love you will be there when you need them most.” On the prior page, Max recalls falling into the family pool and almost drowning. Fortunately, Max’s mom shows up to rescue him, and Max’s parents erect a pool fence to protect the family from further calamities.

Ideal for pet owners or those contemplating pet ownership as well as animal lovers in general, Max’s book shows every aspect of a pet’s life from adjusting to a new home and the addition of children and pets to the health and grooming issues involved with his everyday care. Max also shows how to live a happy life despite adversities. A perfect gift, the book contains a glossy green page covered with paw prints and a section to include the gift recipient’s name “with doggone good wishes from:” the gift giver.

Max teaches people of all ages about life throughout the book and makes his most important statement in Maxim #20, “Live life to the Max!”

Reviewed by Janice L. Semmel