Max's Chocolate Chicken »

When Max's Chocolate Chicken was first published in 1989, School Library Journal cheered, "It's cause for celebration when rabbit toddler Max and his bossy sister Ruby return to share another holiday with young readers." Now Dial is proud to present this wonderful story in an updated board book format, featuring a bright new cover illustration and fresh design. Max and Ruby are going on an Easter egg hunt, and Ruby has declared that whoever finds the most eggs will win the chocolate chicken that someone put in the birdbath. "No eggs, no chicken, Max," warns Ruby as her brother wanders off to investigate ants and acorns. But, as always, Max gets the last word—and the chocolate chicken!

Publishers Weekly

Irresistible Max is backthis time starring in a springtime book full of Easter surprises. When Max finds a chocolate chicken in the birdbath, big sister Ruby decides to organize an Easter egg hunt. Whoever finds the most eggs will get to eat Max's chocolate chicken, she says. Max tries to play Ruby's game, but like most toddlers, is easily distracted. When Ruby finds him making ant-and-acorn pancakes, she says, ``Pull youself together . . . otherwise you'll never get the chocolate chicken.'' But Max knows better. While Ruby smugly counts all the eggs in her basket, Max steals his chocolate chicken, and, hiding beneath a tree, eats it all by himself. Ruby is aghast, until she discovers the chocolate duck the thoughtful Easter bunny has left for her. Like Wells's other Max books, the text is understated and perceptive; the funny illustrations are as beguiling as the natty Easter bunny himself. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)