Lucy Cousins, Maisy Big, Maisy Small: A Book of Rhyming Opposites, Walker Books, January 2025, 48 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781529514209
Maisy Big, Maisy Small: A Book of Rhyming Opposites is a wonderfully entertaining and delightful book for young children, adult art-lovers, and curious toddlers. It is a book for all ages, enjoyable both visually and through the text. Every page is full of vibrant colour as Maisy, the superstar mouse that we have come to know and love over many years, teaches us about opposites.
Cousins has specifically chosen a new format for this Maisy book, using a larger format, durable hardback cover, and rounded edges to stand up to the multiple readings this book will most definitely receive.
The twenty-two pairs of opposites are illustrated in Cousins’ vibrant bold style incorporating a whole range of words; big is, of course, big and small is small but wonderful references to textures, places and the senses are featured in this ‘pleasure to read’ book. And the easy rhythm of the words gives an extra sense of joy.
Lucy Cousins’ Maisy books have sold over forty-four million copies worldwide and published in thirty-three different languages. She is a multi-award winner which is no surprise to those who love clever text and exciting illustration.
Maisy Big, Maisy Small: A Book of Rhyming Opposites is a book for everyone across the generations. As soon as I saw this beautiful book in my parcel of books to review, I was absolutely thrilled. I read it immediately, aloud. On my second reading of Maisy Big, Maisy Small: A Book of Rhyming Opposites, I sang the words with exuberant expression. Now, I am looking forward to taking this book to the local community pre-school to have a fun reading time with the children. They will love the words and illustrations and discovering so many opposites. I think we might even ‘sing the book together.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
