Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Children's Books

synopsis

Synopsis

When a homeless woman gives Maxzyne a painting of a French poodle just like the one in a storefront display, it turns out to be more than just a coincidence for the impulsive 10-year-old. Maxzyne finds herself at the center of a rescue mission when a wayward freight elevator, a family of enchanted vintage mannequins in distress, and a secret tunnel propel her straight into the mysterious depths of a Chicago department store. Can she convince the ghastly Gigi not to use the mannequins' heads in her art exhibit before store closing? It's a race against the clock for Maxzyne and her new mannequin sidekick Elise.Despite her overactive imagination and tendency to get distracted, she learns some important lessons about loyalty, bravery, generosity, and accepting responsibility for her actions. A wonderfully spirited and fun adventure story, Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins is a delightful read for children of all ages.

bio

Author Biography

Fed up with polygraphs, security clearances and a daily commute, Caroline Lee fled a career writing classified reports for the Dept. of Defense to become a full-time storyteller and daydreamer-in-chief. Often inspired by her surroundings, Caroline's first book, "Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins," features America's most impulsive heroine, 10-year-old Maxzyne Merriweather, whose madcap adventures take place in the magical and historic city of Chicago. Caroline currently resides in Delray Beach, Florida where the weather is much warmer than Chicago. She is a member of the Society of Childrens Bookwriters & Illustrators (SCBWI) and is thrilled that her first book "Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins" won the 2020 Independent Press Award for Children's Fiction. The second adventure in the series, "Maxzyne and the Old Horse Theatre" is now also available on Amazon and recently won two Story Monsters Dragonfly awards! And just released: MAXZYNE GOES AQUAMARINE in ebook and soft cover. Learn more at www.maxzyne.com

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Author Insight

Seasonal Inspiration

I live in FL now and the change of season is a lot more subtle; less rain, heat, and humidity starting in October. Locals begin to notice a lot more tourists arriving from colder climates and restaurant reservations are suddenly required. While living in Chicago, the seasonal transitions were much more pronounced. The cold winter days lengthened, but spring seemed reluctant to arrive. No wonder Macy's department store chose the week before Easter to entice us into its historic doors on State Street for their annual flower show. The windows came alive with the gorgeous blooms of a storybook theme or exotic locale. Once inside, the smell of blossoms, fresh greenery mingled with the moist smell of living plants and flowers, assaulted the senses. Hungry for more, people wound their way under the sparkling mosaic Tiffany dome and up the escalators. What delights had the creative staff designed this time to celebrate spring despite the lingering chill outside?

Book Excerpt

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

As they approach the fountain, with its towering floral display in the Grand Hall, Elise gasps.

“What’s up?” Maxzyne whispers nervously.

“It’s Gigi! And Ray. Right in front of us. See them?

Over there on the other side of the fountain.”

Elise jerks her chin in that direction. Maxzyne and Elise duck, wriggling behind a flower-covered screen near the fountain. Several feet away, Gigi and Ray wind ribbons around pots of pink orchids.

“You know what?” Gigi asks. “I’m starting to really hate forsythia. They’re yellow, they droop. And their stupid pollen gets everywhere. I think the Tracy-monster’s evil eye scares them!” She picks up several of the fallen stalks, unaware of the two girls watching her from behind.

“Oh, I know that evil eye! Too well!” Ray answers.

Maxzyne and Elise hold their breath as Ray’s shoes pass inches from their hiding place. Peering from the greenery, they watch him lift another orchid in place.

“I’m keeping a lookout,” Ray assures her. “We don’t need him freaking out again.”

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CAROLINE LEE

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Seasonal Inspiration

Book Excerpt

Maxzyne Meets the Mannequins

Comment on this Bubble