Maisy Cleans Up came out in 2002, however I just ran across it and wanted to give parents, teachers, and other adults a quick idea of what it's about.
The story opens with a picture of Maisy mopping. She's interrupted by Charlie who's "come for a visit". The text goes on to say, "He can help Maisy clean!" However, he doesn't get down to that right away as he smells cupcakes in the kitchen. He wanders in to view them more closely, but can't because the floor is wet. We're told that Charlie has to wait for the floor to dry, which is when he begins to help Maisy by picking up toys and washing windows. The story ends with a celebratory "good job!" and cupcakes.
I thought there were two useful lessons in this text. The first is, obviously, that cleaning up is something we all ought to do; and the second is that sometimes we all have to wait. As children aren't keen on either of these two activities, I think it's nice that they are given credit and support by such a likable character as Maisy.
I also think the idea of placing a reward at the end of clean-up activities is a good reminder to we adults that small things can provide incentives for children to keep going at tasks they don't particular like. However, I sort of wish that besides eating sweets Maisy nad Charlie had gone for a walk or bike ride. [I know this desire is a little over the top, but there's just so much junk food and sweets out there, and childhood obesity is a real problem. Forgive.]
Talking Points:::
Like all Maisy books, this one features bright kid-friendly artwork that is suitable for the kindergarten and under crowd.
Adults might like it better than kids because it features 'cleaning up' --which if my two are any indication, isn't an activity they want to be reminded of.
I like that "x" talks about how we all have to wait sometimes. I also think the idea of having a treat after cleaning up is a good one. I may try that with my two -- although I have some hesitation in implying that food=treat.
Pam T
Somewhere in the X-burbs
- Reading Level: Unknown
- Paperback: 24 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick
- ISBN-10: 0763617121
Other Maisy Books you might like:
Maisy's Pool
Maisy Takes a Bath
Maisy Dresses Up
4 comments :
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Glad to be of help :)
And Pam should have added that for a slight homorarium, both she and I do wonderful mid-term and term reports! An "A" is guranteed is Pam does it; a strong "C" if I do. Offer is void were prohibited. (just kidding)
Opulently I to but I dream the brief should have more info then it has.
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