Review by Booklist Review
PreS.^-K. Like Bunny Cakes (1997) and the other uproarious books about Max and his bossy older sister, Ruby, this starts with a preschooler's puzzled view of adult ritual and then goes wild with it. When Ruby and her friend play beauty shop, they give Max a makeover--nails, a bouffant wig, eye shadow--and they make him "gorgeous." But then he takes control, and he really transforms himself--and his wonderful grandmother, too. Besides letting the small kid subvert the powerful, older sibling, Wells' simple words and mischievous pictures add another wonderful dimension here: Max is a child, but he's also a bunny--a furry, hairy bunny--and when he uses hair dye, green and purple . . . Forget all complaints about anthropomorphism; this is an animal laughing at humans. Hazel Rochman
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Louise brings her Deluxe Beauty Kit over to Ruby's house, and she and Ruby give Max a makeover in Ruby's Beauty Salon by Rosemary Wells. When Grandma calls, she asks Max to do her makeup and she's in for a surprise! (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-When Louise brings her "Deluxe Beauty Kit" over to Ruby's house, the Beauty Shop is open for business. Even though Max wants to experiment with the kit's contents, the girls insist that he be their first customer. Once their games shift away from him, the young rabbit transforms his look in his own way-ending up green with blue and orange feet. And when Grandma calls, she makes an appointment with him for a colorful makeover as well. Young readers will be able to relate to the make-believe games, but the story is not as humorous or memorable as Wells's earlier titles. An additional purchase.-Shara Alpern, The Free Library of Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Ruby and Louise use Louise's Deluxe Beauty Kit to doll up Max, then Max uses the supplies to dye his and his grandmother's fur outrageous colors. The story has plenty of child-friendly elements--especially a beauty kit with so many fancy supplies and a grandmother willing to be transformed. Wells's storytelling is spare, her art is strong, and her humor shines throughout. From HORN BOOK Spring 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A day of beautification goes awry when Wells's (Timothy's Tales from Hilltop School, p. 890, etc.) mischievous Max joins in on the fun. Big sister Ruby and her best pal Louise spend the day playing beauty parlor with Louise's "Deluxe Beauty Kit." Naturally, Max, being the youngest, becomes their client, and soon the young rabbit is bewigged, painted, moussed, and generally dressed to the nines. When the beauticians become immersed in their role play-doing the hair of the First Lady and giving the Queen a quick manicure-Max takes the opportunity to do a bit of experimenting on his own. Soon, the once-pristine bunny is glaringly green with yellow and blue feet. Surprises are in store for everyone when Grandma calls to get done over and Max is her favored stylist. Wells has an unerring ability to hit just the right note to tickle small-fry funny bones (and grown-ups, too). Older preschoolers will delight in the fantasy play of the girls while young toddlers will relish Max's exploits and decidedly offbeat sense of style. The colorfully bordered illustrations are filled with comical details, such as Max soaking his paws in preparation for his manicure/pedicure and Max's towering blond beehive hairdo. Fans will not be disappointed since Max definitely lives up to his reputation in this farcical tale of Beauty and the Prankster. (Picture book. 3-8)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
