Horn Book Review
Maisy mouse joins her friends at the pool in this enthusiastic description of what happens at a swimming lesson. By observing Maisy as she floats, uses the kickboard, and blows bubbles, preschoolers can recognize their own experiences or preview future lessons. Cousins's signature illustrations, with their bright colors, simple figures, and heavy black outlines, enhance the cheerful mood. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Take the plunge with Maisy and her friends as they splash and wade through their first swimming lesson. Part of the Maisy First Experiences series, this title helps familiarize young ones with the preparations and activities common to most swimming instruction. First Maisy must collect everything she needs: bathing suit, towel and goggles. She joins Eddie and Tallulah for the adventure. Eddie is brave and jumps right in, but Maisy and Tallulah dip their "toes in first. Ooh, it's freeeezing!" After a "swish-swash [and] splish-splash," the trio meets their hippo teacher, Poppy. They learn to kick, float and blow bubbles. Soon the fun is over, and it is time for the lesson to end. Maisy climbs up the ladder and "feels shivery out of the water, so she wraps herself up in a fluffy towel." After a quick shower and change into her clothes, Maisy is ready to meet her friends for a snack. Over apple juice and milk, a smiling Maisy looks forward to the next lesson. All is depicted in bright gouache illustrations done in Cousins' signature style by, presumably, the film studio responsible for animating the Maisy franchise. Young readers will appreciate this brief introduction to what occurs in most beginning aquatic lessons for children--sans any tears and fears. (Picture book. 2-4)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
When Maisy and her friends take a beginners' swimming lesson at the pool, she and Tallulah ease into the cold water slowly, while Eddie jumps in with a splash. The title overstates Maisy's accomplishments, but she does make progress during her lesson, learning to kick using a kickboard, blow bubbles underwater, and float on her back. Illustrated with cheerful gouache paintings, the matter-of-fact narrative and practical information conveyed within make this a helpful picture book for children who are curious or anxious about their own swimming lessons. A useful addition to the popular Maisy First Experiences book series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
