Surprising Max, the uplifting children’s picture book by Christine Johansen, has been honored with the Literary Titan Book Award, recognizing the book’s gentle, meaningful message and wide appeal for young readers and families.
Surprising Max introduces readers to Max, a soccer-loving boy who would rather be on the field than at the piano. But when he is given a special responsibility, he discovers that the world can be quite surprising. As Max navigates daily practice and cares for a frail amaryllis in his piano teacher’s garden, both the flower and Max begin to change in unexpected ways, revealing a story about growth that unfolds with warmth, calm, and sincerity.
In a recent author interview, Johansen shared that Max’s story began as a way to introduce children to Advent, a season centered on waiting and preparation that precedes Christmas. Drawing from her experience as a retired music professor and piano teacher, she created a narrative rooted in real childhood emotions and the steady, year-by-year progress that music study can encourage. Max’s inner world is conveyed through italicized questions that reveal his feelings, from self-pity and bewilderment to amazement and confidence, allowing young readers an emotional “safety net” as they encounter new ideas.
Literary Titan praised the book’s clarity and reassuring pacing, describing it as “a gentle, reflective children’s book” with language that is “clear and uncomplicated,” making it well-suited for early readers and read-aloud settings. The review also highlighted the story’s central metaphor, noting how the amaryllis becomes a powerful reminder that growth takes patience and care, and that confidence can develop the same way. The review further applauded Judith Gosse’s warm, expressive illustrations, which capture Max’s emotions and help the story resonate even before children can read the words.
Have you ever finished a book and been curious about what comes next? After the recital, Max, older now, is still playing the piano, and the printed music is a children's pep song for stick-to-it-iveness in the pursuit of a dream still out of sight. Johansen hopes the story leaves children feeling welcomed into the world of music making, while also encouraging openness to new challenges, even when discomfort comes first.
Surprising Max is available now through major retailers. Readers, educators, and gift buyers can purchase the award-winning book on Amazon.
About the Author
Christine Johansen is a retired music professor and piano teacher who has spent decades guiding children’s musical growth and confidence through patient, supportive instruction. She created Surprising Max initially for Sunday School children as an introduction to Advent, drawing on her understanding of how children process new experiences and develop perseverance over time. Her writing centers on emotional honesty, gentle encouragement, and the life-enriching lessons found in learning and practice. Through stories that invite curiosity and reflection, Johansen aims to help children discover the surprises that can emerge when they nurture responsibility, patience, and self-belief.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Christine Johansen
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://amzn.to/46REuFO
