Max and Moonbean

Max, a white anthropomorphized pooch with brown ears and a brown spot over one eye, has always felt like a show-and-tell washout--until now. After a voice suggests that he "dare to see what you can do," he steps up and relates in rhyming lines his presentation's unearthly backstory. Digital spreads by Scotton (the Splat the Cat series) display the dimensionality of feature animation as Max recounts the previous night's close encounter with Moonbean, an entity from the moon whose head resembles an inverted balloon. When Moonbean crash-lands in Max's closet, the two hit it off, Moonbean communicating with bubble images and Max farting with delight. Celebrating "shy" Max as "a pup of courage,/ clever and kind/ Of impeccable style/ And squeaky behind," Moonbean further bolsters Max's confidence, giving him a starring role in an extraterrestrial show-and-tell. The story comes full circle when the two travel back to Earth for Max's class appearance, where the dog wows his classmates with a galactic-themed bubble show courtesy of his new pal. The power of supportive friendship is summed up in this light, reach-for-the-stars read: "Sometimes it takes a friend to show us/ how amazing we really are." Ages 4--8. (May)

Max overcomes his show-and-tell anxiety. Max, a white dog with floppy ears and brown spots, is nervous for show and tell--it never seems to go well for him. But this time, a little voice whispers, "Dare to see what you can do." So Max explains to his canine classmates, in rhyme, how he came up with something to bring to show and tell. As he searched his space-themed bedroom, he was at a loss until a "strange blue thingy" landed in his closet. Using telepathic bubbles, the astronaut told Max that his name was Moonbeam and that he came from the moon. Moonbeam shared moon tales, then asked Max to come to the moon to be his show and tell. At first, Max declined, but after Moonbeam praised Max's courage and cleverness, the two soared off for an adventure in space. Show and tell on the moon was a hit, and Max asked Moonbeam to be his show and tell. Moonbeam agreed, but at the crucial reveal, the little blue alien isn't there, although the ending is still spectacular. Moonbeam later explains he was right beside Max, encouraging him as any good friend would. Vibrant and detailed digitally created cartoon images add to the magic of this feel-good friendship story that will leave uncertain little ones feeling as bolstered as Max. Plenty of humor--including a couple of fart jokes--will appeal to kids. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An uplifting reminder that sometimes a good friend can help us through the seemingly toughest of hurdles. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.