With a loveable dog and a young dragon, ADVENTURES OF ONE UP MAX: Runic and the Crystal Cave, unfolds a wonderful buddy tale that’s just right for young readers.  Max loves his family and the rituals of daily life: dinner, breakfast, walks and playing fetch in the yard. But one day, his curiosity finds him chasing a creature past his back yard when he suddenly flashes into a different world.

Just like a child, Max is alternately tough and scared in his new surroundings. The creature he chased turns out to be a young dragon, Runic. Runic is the youngest in his dragon family, and he’s eager to prove his worth to the family. Like a lot of little brothers or sisters, Runic feels lost. So, he found his way to Max’s world via a magic stone he took from his mother. To get Max back home, he takes others, and the two set out for a crystal cave, where maybe they’ll find a traveling stone that will help the homesick dog.

With ADVENTURES OF ONE UP MAX, author Lisa Shawver gives young readers a simple, yet delightful story. She’s created situations with parallels to the lives of kids likely to read the book. This is a place where third, fourth, fifth or even sixth graders will feel comfortable. Big brothers ignore or prank young Runic, and he’s afraid his mother will be disappointed in him. Yet, as many kids know, mothers can be quite forgiving and understanding. Max’s misadventure that leads to his predicament also rings true for children: how often do kids make a choice that leads to clothes being ruined or favorite keepsakes being broken or lost? Young readers will see that Max comes out okay, just as many kids do.

When Max and Runic end up in trouble at the end of their adventure, it’s Runic’s family who come to the rescue. In fact, it turns out Max and Runic only needed each other – and not the magic stones to make it through the dangers of their journey.

ADVENTURES OF ONE UP MAX: RUNIC AND THE CRYSTAL CAVE delivers a heart-warming story that young readers will find exciting and comforting.  It’s a great lesson that author Lisa Shawver tells with crisp writing and a wonderful imagination.

~Greg Rideout for IndieReader