Introducing Lucy Cousins

If you aren't the parent or the teacher of a pre-school aged child, then you probably have no idea of who Lucy Cousins is. Even if you do have a pre-school aged child in your life, you may not know the name. One name you probably do recognize is that of Cousin's creation: Maisy.

Now, for those of you who don't know, Maisy is a mouse who is best friends with a squirrel, a chick, a crocodile and an elephant. In true toddler fashion, Maisy also has a best friend who happens to be a stuffed panda bear named, aptly enough, Panda. Maisy is the embodiment of the typical toddler. She explores, she cries, she laughs, she eats, she naps and most importantly, she learns.

Maisy may be the star of countless books, toy shelves and television (she can be seen daily on the children's channel Noggin), but she is no silly cartoon character. Maisy is responsible for introducing millions of young children to new concepts such as sharing, colors, shapes, making new friends and even holidays. Maisy does all of this without ever saying one word.

The Maisy books are bright, colorful, simple and playful. Maisy helps to intrigue young ones into early learning, making educators and parents alike joyful for her presence in their child's life.

But let me not lead you to believe that Lucy Cousins is only the creator of Maisy. She has illustrated numerous books for infants, toddlers and young children. Her illustrations are so enjoyed by these groups because Cousins uses bright colors and bold outline, as if she used a box of Crayolas. The drawings speak to children with their simplicity, making her books all that more relatable. Of course, as the mother of four young children, Lucy Cousins can rely upon her own children to let her know what works and what doesn't. If nothing else, you can always count on a child to tell the truth!

Outside of the world of Maisy, Lucy Cousins has authored and illustrated such books as:

"Hooray For Fish" 1995 Candlewick Press

"Lucy Cousins' Nursery Rhymes" 2000 Candlewick Press

"Noah's Ark" 2004 Candlewick Press

"Jazzy in the Jungle" 2004 Candlewick Press

"Garden Animals" 2004 Candlewick Press

Lucy Cousins is so able to relate to her audience that she has ensured herself a place on bookshelves for years to come, and she has definitely earned it.