February 6th is National Libraries Day in the UK. Maisy was one of my daughter’s favourite characters when she was younger and in Maisy Goes to the Library she introduces small children to the concept of libraries and the activities that take place in them.
The Story: Maisy is looking for a book about fish. She finds books about other animals but no fish. She introduces us to other library activities then finds a book that she likes. She starts to read quietly but then her friends come in for story time. When story time is over they check out their books and story related activities continue once the friends are outside.
Maisy is joined by her friends, Charley, Eddie, Tallulah and Cyril, who are all involved in showing the reader that reading is not the only activity that a library offers, you can also listen to music or use the computer or the photocopier. Story time is portrayed as lots of fun and I love that the friends role play the story that they have heard once they are outside. Maisy prefers to read, we love that she has chosen a non fiction book.
Maisy Goes to the Library covers a wealth of information through simple text and Lucy Cousin’s trademark illustrations. It has a bold, colourful cover with a sparkly title and sparkly pictures. Our favourite picture shows everybody laughing while ostrich reads There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. This reference to a well known book can encourage a trip to the library to find it! We also have There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly so we often read both stories together!
Maisy Goes to the Library is a lovely book to introduce a library visit to young children, the story shows how much fun you can have in a library.
Age Range: 2 +
Author / Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams (read by ostrich at story time).
Other books about libraries that we also love are;
Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson
Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar by Emily MacKenzie
The Ghost Library by David Melling
But excuse ME THAT is my Book by Lauren Child
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes
A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker & Kady MacDonald Denton
Will you be going to the library on February 6th? You can find more information about National Libraries Day and events in your area on The National Libraries website.
Selected libraries in the UK are giving out sticker books, illustrated by Joanne Byatt, to encourage young children and their carers to visit the library on a regular basis. There is more information on the Booktrust website.
On World Book Day 2015 we also published a blogpost including books about characters who love books and reading.
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