Maisy Dresses Up

If you are the parent of a young child, you probably know who Maisy is. She's a mouse with a duck, a squirrel, an elephant, and a crocodile for friends. Why the crocodile isn't trying to eat the others is beyond me, but that's life in Maisy's world.Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.Tallulah is throwing a costume party and Maisy just can't decide what to wear. It seems all her friends are going as characters she consider going as, but she doesn't want to spoil the party by showing up dressed the same as someone else. So, the ever industrious Maisy makes a costume. See if you can figure out who that mysterious Zebra with the big nose is. Another favorite in our household.

Colourful and bright illustrations and simple texts appeal tremendously to the preschooler. In this particular book (one of a series of adventures) Maisie decides on a costume for a party. My 21/2 year old daughter has come back to this book again and again in the last six months, except that now she likes to read it to me! Also recommended for this age and the right temperament (patient, likes imaginative play) is the Maisie Playhouse. The small cutout parts are somewhat fiddly for little fingers but it is sure to occupy you (initially) and your child in many happy hours.