Maya’s Big Scene

Isabelle Arsenault

Maya’s imagination sets the stage for her friends to act out her feminist play. Can she make room in her queendom for the will of the people? A funny picture book about leadership and fair play.

Maya is a bossy, burgeoning playwright and loves to have the kids in her neighborhood bring her scenes to life. Her latest work, about a feminist revolution, is almost ready for public performance. But as her actors begin to express their costume preferences, Maya quickly learns that their visions may not match hers . . . and as both Director and Queen, Maya demands obedience and loyalty in her queendom of equality! But she soon realizes — with the help of her friends and subjects — that absolute bossiness corrupts absolutely!

Awards

Finalist at the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Awardon

One of CCBC’s Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2021
A 2022 Texas Library Association Little Maverick Graphic Novel Pick

Press voices

“Simultaneously supports social-emotional growth and celebrates collaborative creativity.” Kirkus Reviews

“Children need to learn how to get along with one another; the jubilantly performative setting of this inventive book is a perfect expression of that truth.” Imaginary Elevators

“Arsenault’s playful pencil, watercolour and ink illustrations are a great match for the graphic novel style she uses to tell her stories.” Globe and Mail

“Montreal’s Arsenault puts her distinctive style to work, using pencils, watercolour and ink to fill various panels and full pages with the story of a little girl who puts on a play with her friends, but who takes her directorial and starring role a little too seriously, threatening to derail the entire production.” Montreal Gazette

Books in the Mile End Kids series