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Classy ReadsBooks by Maxwell

Illustrated large-print books

Little Stories from the House of Maxwell

Captivating stories meet stunning illustrations: rhyming tales by Larry L. Maxwell, hand-painted by Frankie A. Maxwell, in print large enough for every reader.

Our large-print collection is made for readers who prefer or need larger text, without giving up the beauty of detailed artwork. Whether you’re giving one to someone you love or adding to your own library, these books pair engaging stories with rich pictures for readers of all ages.

For years Frankie made a Christmas book every year, all by herself: Larry’s story, her hand-painted plates, copied, painted and comb-bound for her children and grandchildren. In 2018 the family began publishing them, “so they could be shared and loved by all.”

Little Stories from the House of Maxwell

Open a picture book

Sixteen hand-painted, large-print books, newest first. Turn the pages: each one shows the cover Frankie painted and what the story is about.

Cover of The Gift

Book 4 of 16

The Gift

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Author, editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

The Gift tells of how a young boy named Lujon and his best friend Shannon learn that prayer and giving are the most important ways to heal, and that Christmas time is the best time, a season of love and giving.

Buy on Amazon: The GiftMore about The Gift

Cover of Falling Leaf

Book 5 of 16

Falling Leaf

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

Falling Leaf is an American Native legendary tale of a story told for generations, powerful enough to be carved in stone. This is the legend of an Indian warrior and father who embarks on a remarkable journey to save his family and his tribe.

Buy on Amazon: Falling LeafMore about Falling Leaf

Cover of Murry the Mop

Book 8 of 16

Murry the Mop

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

Murry the Mop is based on a true Alaskan story. It is a fun, all-original rhyming tale of the adventure of Murry the dog, and how he proves his worth by chasing off a large Alaskan bear.

Buy on Amazon: Murry the MopMore about Murry the Mop

Cover of Fun on the Farm

Book 9 of 16

Fun on the Farm

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

Fun on the Farm is a compilation of five all-original rhyming stories that are loved by the whole family, written by the Master Story Teller, Larry L. Maxwell, and brought to life with full-color illustrations by Frankie A. Maxwell.

Inside: Limp Lucy · The Fence · Red Head Fred · Ringo the Dog · Paw Dunkin the Pumpkin

Buy on Amazon: Fun on the FarmMore about Fun on the Farm

Cover of Farm Friends

Book 11 of 16

Farm Friends

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

Farm Friends is a compilation of three original stories, fully colored with illustrations, geared for children but loved by all ages: rhyming books that teach us all what really matters the most.

Inside: Chickadee and Chickadoo · Old Croaker the Frog · Patches the Dog

Buy on Amazon: Farm FriendsMore about Farm Friends

Cover of Tell Us About Christmas

Book 12 of 16

Tell Us About Christmas

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • F. Matt Hogle Editor
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

A compilation of four all-original stories told by the Master Story Teller, Larry L. Maxwell, and brought to life with full-color illustrations painted by Frankie A. Maxwell: rhyming stories that help people feel the true spirit of Christmas.

Inside: Tell Us About Christmas · Our Christmas Surprise · The Town That Saved Christmas · The Christmas Light

Buy on Amazon: Tell Us About ChristmasMore about Tell Us About Christmas

Cover of Adventures of Smitty Gumshoe

Book 15 of 16

Adventures of Smitty Gumshoe

  • Larry L. Maxwell Author
  • Frankie A. Maxwell Illustrator

Master Story Teller and author Larry L. Maxwell takes us to a world with all-new and original characters. Travel with them through a series of exciting adventures that teach morals and rhyme, as Frankie Maxwell brings the stories to life with her full-color illustrations.

Inside: Puck-A-Gin · Mitty · Mud Dobber’s Delight · Mildred the Moo · The Arrow of Stone · WampusKitty

Buy on Amazon: Adventures of Smitty GumshoeMore about Adventures of Smitty Gumshoe

1 of 16

Remember a story but not the book?

Find a story

Several books hold more than one story. Type a name you remember, like “Old Croaker” or “WampusKitty”.

38 stories in 16 books.

The characters

Who’s who in the Little Stories

A few of the characters the books introduce. Turn a card to see which book they’re in.

  • The Bethlehem Journey
  • Murry the Mop
  • The Gift
  • A Christmas Prayer
  • Paw Dunkin the Pumpkin
  • Falling Leaf

All sixteen picture books

When’s the next book?

Leave your email and the family will let you know when new books and stories come out.

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