GUSSIE & MAX

Two lifelong friends are ready to take on the world.

Gussie and Max, a koala and monkey duo (readers are never told who is who), are reminiscing about their early years playing with blocks and inventing imaginary worlds and adventures. Why are they looking back fondly? Having recently started school, they’ve become “big-time bus-takers and finger-snappers,” riding with a menagerie of other animals, from a giraffe and a hippo to a fox and a pig. Now that they’re in school, they’ve entered a new phase of life—as “door-openers” and “monkey bar masters.” It’s a visually attractive story, but many readers may find it a little too trivial to create lingering interest. Max and Gussie are one-note characters without any real character development. Readers don’t even know who is who! Going off to school—even with a best buddy—can be a stressful time; limits and boundaries are pushed as children adapt to a new environment. The nonchalant attitudes of both characters—always moving in perfect tandem—are unrealistic and, as a result, boring. The colorful illustrations attempt to do some heavy lifting but can’t supply enough oomph to add dimension to a flat and flimsy tale. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Cute but forgettable.