Happy Birthday, Maisy: questions to ask and activities to try
It's Maisy's birthday, and there's lots to do! Happy Birthday, Maisy is a pull-the-tab, lift-the-flap classic about parties, presents and friends.
What age is it for? Happy Birthday, Maisy is best for ages 1–4. Good for: Birthdays, parties and celebrating with friends.
Happy Birthday, Maisy (Lucy Cousins)
- Age
- 1-4
- Best for
- Birthdays, parties and celebrating with friends
Let your child pull every tab and lift every flap. Sing Happy Birthday together at the end. It's a great one to read before a party, to talk about what happens.
What it helps with
- Getting ready for a party
- Taking turns with games and presents
- Celebrating with friends
- Fine motor skills with flaps and tabs
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Whose birthday is it?”
- “What presents did Maisy get?”
- “What games did they play?”
- “How many candles were on the cake?”
- “What do you like best about birthdays?”
- “What would you like at your party?”
5-minute activities to try together
Teddy party
Hold a birthday party for a teddy: wrap a present, play a game and sing Happy Birthday.
Party plan
Draw your dream party together: who's coming, what you'll eat and what games you'll play.
Free printables: Happy Birthday, Maisy worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Billy's Bucket (Kes Gray and Garry Parsons)
- Best for
- Imagination, and wanting grown-ups to believe you
- Age
- 3-6
Biscuit Bear (Mini Grey)
- Best for
- Making friends, and a sweet ending
- Age
- 3-6
Pumpkin Soup (Helen Cooper)
- Best for
- Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.