The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail by Maureen Stolar Kanefield is a cute picturebook about a young mouse facing growing pains. Maxwell is smart, and has a curiosity that draws him to study everything. The trouble starts when he discovers his tail is growing much too long. Soon he being teased about the long tail, and how clumsy he feels with it. Maxwell soon discovers that his biggest problem can also be his biggest asset and explores the good in his tail.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail has something that everyone can relate to. When growing up just about everyone has something that makes them feel awkward, clumsy, silly, or anything else that makes them feel like they could be teased about. In many cases it is the awkwardness that come with growth spurts, braces, a haircut, needing glasses, speech or attention issues; but can take any form. I really enjoyed how the illustrations and words came together here to make every reader relate to Maxwell, and understand that like the little mouse whatever they are feeling bad about could also be an asset once they take the time to explore it. Maxwell thinks about all the great things he could do with his tail; paint, play music, cook, and so on. A young person could take the message of this book and find the fun or strength in their 'weakness' as well.
The Magic of Maxwell and His Tail is a well told and illustrated tale about finding the good in yourself, and about accepting others as they come. we all have our own something different about ourselves, but like Maxwell children and adults alike are unable to harness that difference for anything worthwhile until they accept it and test it. Readers of all ages will want to encourage and cheer for Maxwell as he finds that being different is not only okay, but part of the wonder of the world.
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