Maisie’s Book of Rhyme

Just months after she passed away, Maisie Grady’s book for children was launched at the Castle Hill Writer’s Group at the end of September

Her husband Alan Grady (pictured) said his wife had seen the book in draft form before it was published by UK publisher Austin Macauley. Maisie, a primary school teacher for over 40 years, was deputy principal of Northmead Public School when she retired.

“She had been writing books for children for years and reading to them,” said Alan. He said the book had been in the pipeline for several years. She never saw the final product but she was happy with the proof she saw,” he said.

Maisie passed away in June this year from cancer. A member of the Castle Hill Writer’s Group for 30 years it was the writer’s group co-ordinator Carmel Lidddell who encouraged her to have her book printed. Members of the group, which meets at Wesley Uniting Church, Castle Hill, were at the launch to hear it read.

An accomplished poet and educator all her life, Maisie aimed the book at children aged between six and eight years old. The rhyming form and bright pictures are aimed at encouraging children to read out loud and enjoy reading.

In the book, My Story Book of Rhyme, the twins visit their grandparents, go to the beach, holiday in the snow and go to the farm. At the back of the book there are questions, a game and space to draw.

My Story Book of Rhyme by Maisie Grady is available from Austin Macauley Publishers at www.austinmacauley.com or email [email protected]