All about me
Mina Mauerstein Bail, sociologist, mother, and grandmother was born in Italy and raised in the United States. She has traveled extensively, lived and worked in many countries around the world. She lives with her husband in New York City.
The Max and Voltaire illustrated story books are sure to please young readers. This is the first in a series of illustrated chapter books about how embracing both the familiar and the different can make our lives interesting and rewarding. The perfect Story Time book series for both boys and girls ages 6–12 Grades: 1–6.
A heart-warming story of friendship and courage -- something for everyone in the family. Max and Voltaire teach life lessons in a kind and non-threatening manner. Children and adults will smile while reading this charming first in a series -- and will certainly want to read the sequels. The first book for this author, one can only hope she will keep writing for all of us!!
It has been a long time since I've read a children's book, but I must admit that this was a total delight. The French setting was informational and quietly picturesque. As a lover of children, and all furry, 4-legged animals, the perspective of the dog and cats was charming. The author did a superb job in relating feelings and fears of the unknown into a warm acceptance of others who are different
Set in the South of France, Max and Voltaire: Sightseeing and Catnapping is the second in a series of illustrated chapter books. The touching and humorous adventures of Max, a jolly but fundamentally serious and wise cat, and Voltaire, a kind and courageous dog with a sense of humor, challenge us to think about how special every day can be, that no matter how bad a situation is, it can change for the better. Through the eyes of Max, Voltaire, a supporting cast of furry pals and bipeds, readers explore such themes as friendship, hope, courage, tolerance, the power of kindness and helping others, and exploring new places and things. Max and Voltaire come up with a plan to accompany Madame Rosemarie to the south of France while their furry pals – Zoa, Tish and Say What- remain at home. The plan works and they end of up staying with Madame Rosemarie at her friend Madame Suzanne’s lovely house overlooking Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. The day after Madame Rosemarie arrives with Max and Voltaire, Madame Suzanne takes them for a leisurely walk along the Mediterranean Sea. When they sit down at a café, Max notices a cat and a woman sitting at a nearby table. The cat is black with a patch of white fur in the shape of a star on his forehead. The next morning, Madame Suzanne sees an article in the local newspaper about an Italian cat kidnapped in Nice. The description matches the cat Max saw at the café. Later that day, Madame Suzanne and her guests go to visit the Old Town in Nice. While visiting the Flower Market in the Old Town, Max sees a man walking down a narrow street carrying a sack over his shoulder. Max tells Voltaire that he smells a cat. Voltaire jumps on the man who drops the sack and a cat jumps out. The police arrest the man and Spaggetino, the Italian cat, is reunited with his owner, Signora Carina. Madame Suzanne invites Signora Carina and Spaggetino to her house for dinner. Spaggetino does not want to leave his new friends, Max and Voltaire, so the Signora agrees to let him spend the night. Spaggetino tells them about how he misses his former life in a cat sanctuary before he was adopted by a wealthy lady who passed away and left her fortune to him and Signora Carina. Now, he lives in a big house but he is lonely. He cannot go for walks alone or spend time with his cat friends. Max feels sorry for Spaggetino and suggests the furry friends go out for a walk after Madame Rosemarie and Madame Suzanne have gone to sleep. While strolling in the neighborhood, they hear a noise. They go to investigate and find a black kitten lying by the road. The kitten tells them she was running away from home when a car hit her. Spaggetino and his new cat pals take her back to the house and wake up Madame Rosemarie and Madame Suzanne. The next day Madame Rosemarie and Madame Suzanne take the kitten to the vet who says she will be better in a few days. Madame Rosemarie suggests they call the kitten Midnight since she is the color of a moonless night. Madame Rosemarie, Madame Suzanne, Signora Carina and their furry friends spend the next week getting to know one another and exploring Nice and the surrounding countryside. After a few days, Midnight recovers. No one reports a missing kitten and the Signora adopts Midnight. Max and Voltaire learn that life is full of surprises and that travel can be lots of fun. It is hard to say good-bye to friends. Signora Carina invites Madame Rosemarie and her furry pals to Rome. Max and Voltaire look forward to their next travel adventure.
Congratulations to Mina Mauerstein Bail who has once again written a heart-warming book full of good cheer, valuable life lessons, and healthy fun for children of all ages. Her animal characters and their adventures are unforgettable, What a wonderful way to introduce young people to other cultures! Keep writing, Ms. Bail!
Visit Italy with your friends Max and Voltaire. They travel to Padua, Bologna and Rome, the Eternal City, where they learn about Italy’s history and heritage. They renew friendships and make new ones. Max explores a cat sanctuary and Voltaire goes to a dog beach!
Congratulations to Mina Mauerstein Bail who has once again written a heart-warming book full of good cheer, valuable life lessons, and healthy fun for children of all ages. Her animal characters and their adventures are unforgettable, What a wonderful way to introduce young people to other cultures! Keep writing, Ms. Bail!
An illustrated dog and cat adventure chapter book which is sure to please the read-aloud crowd. Explore the French Alps with Max and Voltaire, and their furry pals. Voltaire is reunited with Bella. Max and Say What solve a valuable clue and Tish treks through the snow to rescue Zoa.
Join Max and Voltaire with their furry pals Say What, Tish, and Zoa on their visit to Aix-en-Provence where they meet a wise old bird and learn about art, following your dreams, and elder wisdom.
Where is Voltaire? Max and Say What set out on a journey to find Voltaire. The kindness of strangers they meet along the way guides them on their search for their missing friend.
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