Max + Xam

Written & illustrated by Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar

Part of the Child's Play Library series

Two friends clash over popularity, testing the true meaning of friendship.

4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 32 ratings

32 pages

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Max and Xam's friendship hits a snag when a rivalry over popularity spirals out of control. As their antics escalate, they must navigate the chaos to rediscover what truly matters. Will their bond survive the test, or will their quest for popularity tear them apart? Dive into this hilarious tale of friendship and find out!

"Max missed Xam. Xam missed Max."

— from the book

From the publisher

Max and Xam are the very best of friends - until they fall out over who is more popular! Determined to prove the other wrong, their exploits bring new meaning to the phrase ‘making friends’. A hilarious and delightfully far-fetched story about the meaning and value of real friendship.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 5–6
Audience: Picture

Themes & topics

Books about friendship Books about saying sorry Books about growing up Books about neighbors Books about resolving conflict

After the last page

Talk about it together

Max and Xam are friends who end up having a disagreement. How did they make amends and stay friends? Have you ever had a similar experience? What did you do?

Since Max and Xam are such good friends, they know what will make the other happy. What are some things your best friend likes?

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

Good to know

Stories behind the story

On her inspiration for the characters Max and Xam:

Max and Xam is all about being right—but at what cost? Sometimes it is better to think about what is most important: being right, or a friendship. I do love the characters a lot. I think they are the best of buddies. Their faces are modelled on African masks. While visiting Geneva once, I went to an exhibition about masks. It wasn't a big exhibition, but it was very diverse and made me feel like I travelled the world when I left. I did many sketches of the masks and months later when I created the story those masks were still influencing me and finally found their way onto the page. Max and Xam are both also a bit like sloths, that's why they have such long claws. I wish they were real, I'd love to give them a big fluffy hug.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.8

out of 7

4.8

“A cute and enjoyable story about friends who quarrel and make up, but I do wish the narrative included actually saying sorry—but their actions are thoughtful towards each other when they resolve the conflict and hug as "favorite friends" once again.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

4.8

“A situation friends find themself in all too often—a small disagreement that gets out of hand—is brought to life with this story. The illustrations are adorable and the message and resolution is sweet :)”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

5.0

“Unique character design with a simple, uplifting story.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one