When kids 'want to go there'

True story:

Sue Monk Kidd (the author of "The Secret Life of Bees") was visiting a friend who was reading a book to her granddaughter. When the grandmother finished the book, the child grabbed it, threw it on the floor and began jumping on top of the book. The two women were horrified until they heard the child cry out, "I want to go there!"

The really, really good books make both children and adults "want to go there."

If summer vacation has to end, and preschoolers have to trade the beach for the classroom, "Maisy Goes to School" by Lucy Cousins is one terrific way to encourage children to "want to go there."

Maisy is the mouse I adore. More to the point, a certain 2-year-old also loves her. So do all his preschool classmates. Although this is a lift-the-flap book recommended for ages 3 years and up, younger children thoroughly enjoy it with a little help manipulating the paper tabs.

My son field-tested this book by reading it to his 4-month-old daughter. She was still loving it even after the 20th run-through.

Maisy is colorful, winsome, gentle and whimsical. Her simple adventures guide children through the everyday experiences of school, making friends, learning basic concepts (always with a sense of fun) and visiting places like the playground, the farm and the museum.

The author, a mother of four children who lives and works in England, says she gets more inspiration from children's artwork than from any art gallery. I believe her! Without being garish or jarring, the illustrations are so vibrant that they practically leap off the pages. Cousins' work reminds me of Jonathan Green — for children.

Of course, Maisy has a Web site. At maisyfunclub.com, children can learn about Maisy and all her friends. There also are recipes, crafts, games and a listing of all the Maisy books and toys. Under "artwork," children are encouraged to submit their own artwork and see it online, listed under their first names, ages and home states or countries. Charming!

Lucy Cousins' work also includes super books such as "Hooray for Fish." Parents call it "fabulous" and advise other parents to "Buy this book." It was one of those very special books that will captivate a 5-month-old baby and a 3-year-old and all the ages in between.

For the peripatetic baby, there are tiny "Maisy" books that attach to strollers. Mickey, Minnie and Mighty move over and meet Maisy.

Contact Fran Hawk at franbooks@yahoo.com.