MAX MAKES A MILLION

This whimsical extravaganza—clever and urbane—celebrates New York's wildly varied cosmopolitans while recounting how the hero, who is a dog and a poet, finally gets a publisher and will be able to realize his dream of going to Paris. Accompanied by witty illustrations that make sly references to other artists—Chagall, Modigliani, Bemelmans—the scenario and satire may appeal most to adults, but it's worth a try with older children.