Max Haynes

Max Haynes was born in Mason City, Iowa, and grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. He has lived in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota since 1982. Max lives with his lovely wife, Jane, and his wonderful children Madeline (10) and Riley (8) in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Grandmother's Gone to Live in the Stars
Albert Whitman, 2000
ISBN 978-0-8075-3026-9

This simple, tender story is about the death of a beloved grandmother. But the story is told by Grandma herself, as she peacefully says goodbye to her sleeping children and grandchildren and then, in turn, to all the earthly things she has loved and rises to her new home—in the stars. Serene and beautiful, this book is for all children and their families, regardless of religious beliefs. It's assurance that love remains forever will be inexpressibly comforting to both children and adults who grieve.

Ticklemonster and Me
Doubleday, 1999
ISBN 978-0-385-32582-0

The laugh-aloud fantasy of Tough Teddy and the Ticklemonster comes alive in this innovative book that encourages parent-child interaction. Tough Teddy isn't afraid of anything . . . except being tickled. He's not even afraid to camp out in the deep dark woods all by himself. But one night during a camping trip, somebody comes for a visit. Oh no! It's the Ticklemonster! He tickles and tickles Teddy until the little bear thinks he might die laughing. How in the world can he escape?

Love and Kisses, Kitty
Dutton, 1999
baby to preschool, ISBN 978-0-525-46150-0

In this playful lift-the-flap book, Kitty makes valentines for each of her friends, and then sets out to deliver them. Sharp-eyed children will spot the funny clues on each card. Under each flap, another one of Kitty's friends is revealed. And best of all, the very last valentine can be filled in with a child's name, making the entire book into a personalized valentine for giving.

Trick or Treat Fraidy Cat
Dutton, 1998
ISBN 978-0-525-45995-8

With his charming Halloween costume, large expressive eyes, and fur that stands on end when he's afraid, Fraidy Cat, the star of this bright and adorable Halloween lift-the-flap book, is sure to be a big hit with young children.

Bunny Isabel's Easter Egg Hunt
Dutton, 1998
ISBN 978-0-525-45883-8

A seasonal lift-the-flap book full of springtime surprises Here comes Bunny Isabel, just in time to help poor Mother Hen, who's lost her egg. Is it in the tree? No-hoo, says Owl when children lift the flap and see him nestled in the branches. On her search, Bunny Isabel finds lots of other friends behind the flaps, too: a little green frog perches in the cattails, a woolly sheep stands behind a gate, a buzzing bee hides beneath a flower. But no one has seen Mother Hen's precious egg. Finally, when children lift the flap on the last page, they will discover a special Easter surprise: Mother Hen's newly hatched baby chick! Max Haynes combines colors as fresh as a sunny day with big simple shapes and arrives at the perfect mixture for springtime fun.

In the Driver's Seat
Doubleday, 1997
ISBN 978-0-385-32502-8

You, the preschooler, are the driver in this zany, adventure-filled fantasy. Up a steep mountain road, into a crowded farmyard, through a tunnel that leads to the city, and even under water you will go. Steer as best you can, and you'll finish with a hip-hip-hooray! You've won a roaring car race! This original and engaging format is sure to be a hit with preschoolers.

Sparky's Rainbow Repair
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1990
ISBN 978-0-688-11193-9

Readers must solve a series of tricky puzzles to navigate the mysterious Rainbow Hall and help Sparky and his friends stop the rain.

Dinosaur Island
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1990
ISBN 978-0-688-10329-3