For some families, part-time jobs for children are a way to impart all kinds of skills and experience. For others, it’s a matter of necessity if kids want spending money. Maxwell Newhouse, who is a plumber as well as an author and artist, understands this. The Weber Street Wonder Work Crew is a group of kids who have lots to offer their neighbors: from babysitting cranky toddlers to lending a hand in a garden, washing windows, and even helping an elderly lady who needs support to keep up with her friends online.

Lively folk-style paintings work with a simple text to inspire kids to take part in their own communities.

Maxwell Newhouse's profile page

MAXWELL NEWHOUSE is a highly accomplished folk artist whose work has been widely exhibited in galleries across Canada. He has illustrated the critically acclaimed The RCMP Musical Ride, written by the artist himself, as well as Laura Secord: A Story of Courage, Emily Carr: At the Edge of the World, Let’s Go for a Ride – a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award in Children’s Illustration – and The House That Max Built.

PRAISE FOR THE HOUSE THAT MAX BUILT:
“Warmly rendered folk-art-style oil paintings show the house coming together over time. Varied perspectives focus on the people as much as on the work they do, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and specialization.”
— School Library Journal
“Children intrigued by construction will enjoy the level of detail, which includes a look at a variety as well as the exploits of Max’s troubleseeking terrier. Fresh and informative.”
— Booklist

The Weber Street Wonder Work Crew

How does one instill community pride in children? Just introduce yourselves to the productive and helpful young people living on Weber Street. These individuals use their unique talents to assist their neighbours, and maybe even earn a bit of money in the process. Dog enthusiast Max is the most popular dogwalker in town. Sylvia, sporting a green thumb, assists Mr. Flannigan with his garden. Mrs. Cline is encouraged with her online correspondence by computer whiz Ava. There is also a window washer, a babysitter, mail collectors and garbage recyclers. It is obvious that each youngster contributes to the cleanliness, beauty and safety of Weber Street and to the well-being of the residents. The story ends with a street party... a celebration of neighbourliness in the truest sense of the word.

Author-illustrator Maxwell Newhouse’s text is short and simple, yet makes its point. There are positive and lasting results when different generations of diverse backgrounds support each other.

Newhouse’s folk-like oil illustrations depict Weber Street from a variety of viewpoints. Readers will observe the assorted living accommodations and streetscapes in the double-page artwork. How neat and green everything is! Would the neighbourhood look this inviting and would the residents be so content if it weren’t for the teamwork between young and old?

This publication is a fine resource for children who yearn to find their place and make a difference in their communities.

The Weber Street Wonder Work Crew

Kids have a lot to offer when it comes to helping out, and the kids on Weber Street are no different. Meet Sylvia who’s got a green thumb, Max the dog walker, Neatnik Nicky who likes to clean windows, Ava the computer whiz and many more. A wonderful resource to show kids how they can help neighbours, earn some money and make their community a better place to live.