Max is the sweet story of a seagull, Max, who likes fish, but also likes chips. When his good friend Bob, who coincidentally owns a fish-and-chip shop, moves away, Max flies across the city to search for him.

Marc Martin is a Melbourne-based illustrator; his previous picture books include A Forest, which uses stunning illustrations to introduce kids to ideas about sustainability and the environment, and The Curious Explorer’s Illustrated Guide to Exotic Animals A–Z, a bizarre and alluring collection of unusual creatures. Max, meanwhile, is a gently told story with a message about an unlikely friendship and change.

The rich and playful illustrations are what really shine here. Martin has a unique and colourful style; his illustration work is published widely. In Max, Martin uses bright colours and distinct texture to construct a fun world, full of detail for kids to discover. The pages where Max explores the city from the sky are particularly impressive. This is another charming picture book from a brilliant local illustrator.

Max Denton