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

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Inspiring, heartwarming, and filled with tidbits to help you appreciate and enjoy the world around you, Life to the Max by Robin Reynolds is a delightful read.

Told by Max, an Airedale Terrier who was adopted from the Humane Society, this story shares all that Max taught his family about life. From abandonment to rescue, from friendship and love to aging and loss, this touching tale will bring you smiles and maybe a tear or two, but in the end, you’ll cherish every word.

Maxim #1: When bad things happen, worrying won’t change anything. Trust you’ll get through it. (Page 13)

Maxim #5: Get the most out of life by doing things you enjoy! (Page 27)

Maxim #14: Never miss a chance to tell those closest to you that you love them. (Page 39)

Life to the Max is sure to be a hit with dog lovers and anyone who seeks to be reminded of the joys of life.

The Book Connection
Reviewed by Cheryl
http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/ 2008/07/life-to-max-by-robin-reynolds-book.html

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Written by a dog lover for dog lovers, Life to the Max, Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max by Robin Reynolds is a great addition to the canine book library. Anyone who’s ever given their dog a voice, shared their bed with a dog or considered themselves “Mom” and “Dad” to their dog will thoroughly enjoy this hybrid picture chapter book.

Max tells his story through his mom, Reynolds, and the reader can’t help but chuckle at the personification. We all wonder what our pets are thinking from time to time and Reynolds does an excellent job of putting those words down on paper. This book is appropriate for adults and children and the highlighted lessons give the reader plenty to contemplate. Life to the Max celebrates the life of a special pet reminding the reader to cherish their time with their own furry friend.

TCM Reviews
Reviewed by Kate Greenwood
http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/2472.html

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Presented in the style of a children’s picturebook, Life to the Max: Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog Named Max is a collection of insights and wisdom drawn from the life of a family’s beloved terrier, Max. Each two-page spread features a valuable nugget of wisdom on one page, such as “Treasure the people who can see you for who you really are,” and “Get the most out of life by doing things you enjoy!”, and vignettes from Max’s life on the other page. Max tells his story, from his adoption at an animal shelter to the natural end of his lifespan, in first-person perspective. Full-color photographs of this hardy terrier enhance this gentle picturebook perfect for young dog lovers.

The Midwest Book Review
Children’s Bookwatch
Reader’s Choice, June 2008
http://www.midwestbookreview.com