Max N Me Studio Releases Children's Books Addressing Youth Social Problems
Max N Me Studio Releases New Series of Children’s Books, Addressing Autism, Gender Variancy, and Youth Social Problems
Max N Me Studio’s mother/son artistic team tackles many of today’s most prominent problems dividing children
TACOMA, Wash. – January 2013 – Max N Me Studio today announced a new line of children’s books, “Magic Friendships and How They Start,” aimed at discussing many of the most powerful and influential social differences affecting today’s children. The books are written collaboratively between Max Suarez, a 10 year old boy on the autism spectrum, and his mother McNall Mason, aimed at creating dialogue and normalizing sensitive topics that young children face. All books are written through Max’s vision and voice and are illustrated in a vibrant, colorful, rhyming, humorous structure, making them uniquely relatable and approachable to elementary through middle school children. Topics include gender identity, autism, cliques, popularity, bullying, and many others.
“Children in 2013 face many identity issues that are not exclusive to their generation, but are just now becoming part of the public’s conversation. Max and I hope that our books will reach children and their parents in a new way, opening up conversations about differences between all of us and how we can find ways to love each other – throughout all ages,” said McNall Mason.
“Magic Friendships and How They Start” originated from the special art therapy-like relationship between Max and his mother, McNall. Until he was five years old, Max drank from a bottle, was near non-verbal, and threw raging temper tantrums for seemingly no reason. Wanting to provide her child a mainstream life, McNall worked one-on-one with Max to assimilate him into neurotypical social habits. One of the McNall’s main methods was through driftwood art, which helped Max express his individual perspective and build a strong, supportive relationship with his family and the community. Today, Max is in a non-special education third grade class with friends, strong relationships, and no special services. The collaboration between the two transformed from driftwood art to the expressive book line, “NAME OF BOOK LINE.”
“Art has been a powerful force in helping Max transform from a severely challenged little boy to where he is today. Max is excited to show his perspective to other children, and I’m excited to promote understanding through the voice and creative perspective of a child on of all sorts of differences children have worldwide,” said McNall.
“Magic Friendships and How They Start” will be for sale in February, available online and in select stores across the Puget Sound. A percent of all proceeds to the books will go to a variety of autism, gender variance, and youth tolerance-building charities nationwide. For more information, please visit Max N Me Studio.
About Max N Me Studio
Max N Me Studio is a project built by Max, a young boy on the autism spectrum, and his mother McNall Mason to establish understanding, promote tolerance, and empower children on the autism spectrum. Max N Me Studio has a number of projects including award-winning driftwood art, gum ball machines filled with unique pop art, and a new children’s book line, “Magic Friendships and How They Start.” Follow Max N Me Studio on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook for information on where art is available, upcoming events, and updates from Max and his mom.