Smile, Maisy!
Maisy Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Enhanced with colorful tabs, a boldly illustrated board book follows Maisy on her busy day of taking photos as she sets off to capture each of her friends, including Tallulah and Eddie, doing the things they love doing best. Maisy snaps Charlie playing on his saxophone, Tallulah on the beach and Cyril in his pedal car. Now she has lovely photos of everyone on her wall! But who's missing - Maisy, of course! Smile, Maisy!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maisy Mouse
Discussion points
How do you think Maisy felt when she smiled at her friends?
What are some ways you like to make your friends smile?
Why is sharing important in making others happy?
Can you think of a time when someone smiled at you and made you feel good?
How can we help others feel happy like Maisy did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s illustrations and scenes.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, such as sharing toys or helping a friend.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book and explain why they chose that particular scene.
Discuss the importance of facial expressions and body language in conveying emotions, mirroring Maisy’s smiles and interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'Smile, Maisy!', the character Maisy interacts with friends of various species, encouraging inclusivity and acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers who may look or behave differently, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in real-world social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Maisy’s interactions with her friends show how sharing and cooperation lead to enjoyable experiences and strengthen bonds.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of helping and sharing with friends, which can improve their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Expressing Joy
Explanation: The book's title 'Smile, Maisy!' underlines the theme of joy and positivity, represented by Maisy’s frequent smiles and cheerful activities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express happiness openly and can positively influence their mental health and general well-being.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Maisy’s adventures with her friends involve exploring new environments and trying out new activities, which highlight the importance of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and learn from their experiences, contributing to cognitive development and lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Maisy and her friends encounter small challenges which they solve together, teaching resilience and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that facing problems calmly and collectively can lead to solutions, enhancing their ability to handle everyday challenges.