Max Counts To A Million is set in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic is beginning to take hold, and is written from the point of view of eight year old Max.
Max is aware that grown ups are worried but he doesn't really understand what's going on. It starts to hit home when his dad who is a doctor has to start living away from Max and his mum to keep them safe. With tensions frayed, an argument leads to Max being sent to his room to calm down, at which point he lashes out saying he will count to one million. But what starts out as an argument turns into a helpful way for Max to cope with the pandemic and ultimately brings people together
A lot of common experiences are reflected in the story, with his mixed feelings about his school being closed and his disappointment that his birthday party has to be cancelled
It's worth being aware that there as some potentially upsetting aspects, in particular surrounding Max's grandad becoming ill with coronavirus. He is hospitalised for a few days and his dad can't tell Max that his grandad won't die. However, he is soon well enough to be discharged, although he is clearly not well when they are able to see him, continuing to suffer from fatigue, coughing and breathlessness.
My daughter raced through this and especially loved the humour. As well as being lots of fun, serious topics are covered in an accessible way, and I feel this book is helpful for children to process their experiences of the pandemic and to start conversations.
Max is aware that grown ups are worried but he doesn't really understand what's going on. It starts to hit home when his dad who is a doctor has to start living away from Max and his mum to keep them safe. With tensions frayed, an argument leads to Max being sent to his room to calm down, at which point he lashes out saying he will count to one million. But what starts out as an argument turns into a helpful way for Max to cope with the pandemic and ultimately brings people together
A lot of common experiences are reflected in the story, with his mixed feelings about his school being closed and his disappointment that his birthday party has to be cancelled
It's worth being aware that there as some potentially upsetting aspects, in particular surrounding Max's grandad becoming ill with coronavirus. He is hospitalised for a few days and his dad can't tell Max that his grandad won't die. However, he is soon well enough to be discharged, although he is clearly not well when they are able to see him, continuing to suffer from fatigue, coughing and breathlessness.
My daughter raced through this and especially loved the humour. As well as being lots of fun, serious topics are covered in an accessible way, and I feel this book is helpful for children to process their experiences of the pandemic and to start conversations.