"But Matilda is a book. It's not real life.
The proof of that is when Maxime's mother
comes into her room and says, "There's
school tomorrow. It's time to brush your teeth."
But Maxime doesn't want to brush her teeth.
What she wants to do is read. So when she
comes back from the bathroom she hides under
her covers with her favorite book."
What an engaging introduction to a young girl named Maxime. She is ten, and loves books and cats. That is about all you need to know to really enjoy her story. Oh, her cat's name is Turmeric. There are some things she doesn't like much: bedtime, adult talk, brushing her teeth, accepting a kiss from Uncle Martin, and hurrying are a few.
Mostly, she wants to be left alone to read whenever and wherever. Her favorite book is MATILDA by Roald Dahl; she feels like the two of them have a lot in common. The adults in her life hold sway for what she should be doing, and always have rules for behavior and how she spends her time. They even suggest the books she should be reading.
"That's a crazy idea because no one likes the things
they are forced to do. The proof is that Maxime, who
loves books more than anything, can't stand required
reading."
When the teacher asks her students what they want to do with their lives, Maxime is quick to consider that she wants to read every book on earth, to cuddle Turmeric, and to play with him as much as possible. And then maybe have a friend. That friend will need to have similar interests and wants. Walking home one day, Maxime notices dishes full of cat food placed at strategic places along the lane. The next morning the dishes are empty! What is happening here? It calls for investigation. Solving the mystery requires careful attention to detail. She will be ready tomorrow.
Tomorrow dawns free and clear of her mother's attention, and Maxime is off to ply her trade. She and Turmeric visit with the neighborhood felines, while also checking on the food dishes. Only when she sees something on a bike does she watch as an older woman arrives. Maxime realizes she has unearthed the culprit. The old woman is not impressed with Maxime's interrogation, and scares the young girl.
After getting to know each other better, the two agree to meet in the afternoon and Catmamou will show Maxime the stray cats she cares for because no one will. It is quite the education. They teach what the other doesn't know. It is a splendid friendship. Catmamou even offers advice to Maxime about how she might approach a new girl at school.
"Open your heart, Maxime. Don't be scared.
Don't be like me. Make an effort. Friendship
doesn't hang around, waiting."
The time comes when Catmamou must move on to help other needy cats. She leaves with a promise that she will return for a visit. Maxime spends the evening following that sad goodbye writing a paper that explains to her teacher what she wants to do with her life in the future. Brava, Maxime!
This will be the first book I share with my granddaughters after their arrival in June. It is brilliant, and has so much to offer that will appeal to them. It reads like a graphic novel for the world that is created in both text and illustration. There is much to see, and a world of comfort created in the friendship between the young girl and the older woman. Readers will pore over the artwork, enamored of all it has to offer in the telling. Getting to know these characters is filled with affection and understanding. The more often I read, the more I see and feel.
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