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Miss Tizzy
The neighbors may think Miss Tizzy quite peculiar, but the children love her. They love her colorful house and her colorful clothes, but most of all they love the special attention she pays to them all.
Together, they bake cookies, make pictures full of sunshine and butterflies for folks who have stopped smiling, play dress-up, put on puppet shows and parades, or stretch out on bright quilts in Miss Tizzy's backyard of an evening to sing moon songs.
When Miss Tizzy becomes ill and takes to her bed, the children know just what to do to let her know she is missed and loved. Here's a picture book certain to touch the hearts of children of any age.
Together, they bake cookies, make pictures full of sunshine and butterflies for folks who have stopped smiling, play dress-up, put on puppet shows and parades, or stretch out on bright quilts in Miss Tizzy's backyard of an evening to sing moon songs.
When Miss Tizzy becomes ill and takes to her bed, the children know just what to do to let her know she is missed and loved. Here's a picture book certain to touch the hearts of children of any age.
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1993
8 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 2, 2021
Beautiful!! I want to be like Miss Tizzy.
2/2/21 Read with Naomi and Julia
2/2/21 Read with Naomi and Julia
September 15, 2010
I read this book aloud today and started tearing up! So good!
May 18, 2018
Summary: This story tells of a old lady named Miss Tizzy. She does special things with the children each day of the week. One day Miss Tizzy does not come out and the kids are unsure what is wrong. They decide to carry on with the activities she used to do with them at her window where she can see them. The story ends with Miss Tizzy smiling in bed, glowing, as she sees and hears the children outside her window.
Reflection: This book is TOO PRECIOUS! I love it!! The text seems a little long for young kids but the story is so good I don't think it is too much for them. The pictures are bright, colorful, and very well done.
Use in Class: This book could be used for so many things- teaching days of the week, teaching kindness, helping students get through serious illness or even death. This book is a great social/emotional piece for young children! Activities could include doing a days of the week activity where students talk about their weekly events. If your using it as a SEL piece you could introduce a vinn diagram to relate their grandparents or parents to Miss Tizzy. This book could really be flipped and used so many different ways!
Reflection: This book is TOO PRECIOUS! I love it!! The text seems a little long for young kids but the story is so good I don't think it is too much for them. The pictures are bright, colorful, and very well done.
Use in Class: This book could be used for so many things- teaching days of the week, teaching kindness, helping students get through serious illness or even death. This book is a great social/emotional piece for young children! Activities could include doing a days of the week activity where students talk about their weekly events. If your using it as a SEL piece you could introduce a vinn diagram to relate their grandparents or parents to Miss Tizzy. This book could really be flipped and used so many different ways!
October 1, 2021
I almost cried at this don't @ me
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed reading the relationship that Miss Tizzy made with the children. She was able to make the children be like children with play as well as creating empathy and compassion for others. When Miss Tizzy gets sick, the children do everything Miss Tizzy did for them for her.
April 4, 2018
Text-to-Self Connection
Missy Tizzy is an older woman that enjoys spending quality time with the children in her neighborhood. She teaches them how to bake cookies, put on puppet shows, and enjoy the simple gifts that nature has to offer. When Miss Tizzy becomes ill the children continue to do all the things she taught them. Miss Tizzy reminds me of my childhood experiences with my grandmother. The way Miss Tizzy impacted the lives of the children in her neighborhood, my grandmother taught me valuable life lessons in a fun and subtle way.
Text-to-Teaching
I would use this book for a lesson in character building. I would have the students create a sprinkle kindness donut to demonstrate ways they can show kindness to others. The donut will include words that represent kindness. Also, the students will write about how they plan to demonstrate or have experienced kindness.
Missy Tizzy is an older woman that enjoys spending quality time with the children in her neighborhood. She teaches them how to bake cookies, put on puppet shows, and enjoy the simple gifts that nature has to offer. When Miss Tizzy becomes ill the children continue to do all the things she taught them. Miss Tizzy reminds me of my childhood experiences with my grandmother. The way Miss Tizzy impacted the lives of the children in her neighborhood, my grandmother taught me valuable life lessons in a fun and subtle way.
Text-to-Teaching
I would use this book for a lesson in character building. I would have the students create a sprinkle kindness donut to demonstrate ways they can show kindness to others. The donut will include words that represent kindness. Also, the students will write about how they plan to demonstrate or have experienced kindness.
April 9, 2011
I like this book because it shows a positive, respectful environment between kids and adults. Mrs. Tizzy spends time with children in the neighborhood building their self-confidence and showing the kids that she is dependable and caring. I would incorporate this book to share what a positive community looks like with my students.
July 22, 2012
This book is very sweet. It has a wonderful story line and shows just how influential adults can be on children. It has great ideas for things that you can do with kids and children in your class might relate Miss Tizzy to someone in their life, very enjoyable and a great read!
November 20, 2019
Intergenerational relationships offer people the chance to discover the wonderful gifts both younger children and senior citizens can provide for each other. Miss Tizzy is a peculiar lady in her neighborhood that has so much love to share with others. She wears a purple hat with a white flower in it and green high-top sneakers. Her pink house sits in the middle of an overgrown garden and is a magnet for the neighborhood children. The book uses the days of the week to describe the wonderful times Miss Tizzy has baking cookies, playing dress-up, putting on puppet shows and parades, sharing artwork for those in the neighborhood who need a smile, and singing songs in the moonlight. But when Miss Tizzy becomes ill and bedridden, the children use the loving activities she's taught them to help make her feel better. This book is a great way to celebrate the relationships younger people can have with older people and the way people build friendships.
September 19, 2017
This book is called Miss Tizzy and is written by Libba Moore Gray. Miss Tizzy is the main character and is an elderly woman who shares her joy with the neighborhood children. They bake, make sock puppets, rollerskate, play dress up and more. Parents think she is a little strange but the children love her. One day Miss Tizzy gets sick and the children work to cheer up their friend who has shared her kindness with them.
I read this book to my kindergarten class each year and we have had many good discussions about the setting, characters and sequence of events. This book would be great for an elementary audience and could lead to wonderful book responses from students.
My recommendation of this book is for all classroom teachers and parents. It teaches about caring for others, respect for our elders and the emotions you have when someone you love gets sick.
I read this book to my kindergarten class each year and we have had many good discussions about the setting, characters and sequence of events. This book would be great for an elementary audience and could lead to wonderful book responses from students.
My recommendation of this book is for all classroom teachers and parents. It teaches about caring for others, respect for our elders and the emotions you have when someone you love gets sick.
August 31, 2018
Sweet Miss Tizzy plays with all the neighborhood children. She is patient, kind and loving to all. Miss Tizzy's adventures wouldn't be complete without her cat there to help. Miss Tizzy may seem a little odd to some but the kids see nothing but an amazing woman.
I thought this book was super cute! Miss Tizzy seems like the best person to take care of children. Reading this book made me want to hangout with her. I enjoyed all the pictures and the vibrant colors. My favorite picture is of Miss Tizzy's house. It looks so inviting to me.
This book could teach children the power of being nice and what happens when you love others and pour into them. It could specifically teach how to be a good friend too. Miss Tizzy was very patient with the children and that could be another lesson to take away from this story as well.
I thought this book was super cute! Miss Tizzy seems like the best person to take care of children. Reading this book made me want to hangout with her. I enjoyed all the pictures and the vibrant colors. My favorite picture is of Miss Tizzy's house. It looks so inviting to me.
This book could teach children the power of being nice and what happens when you love others and pour into them. It could specifically teach how to be a good friend too. Miss Tizzy was very patient with the children and that could be another lesson to take away from this story as well.
January 29, 2018
Miss Tizzy is a children's book about whimsical older lady with a lot of spunk and character that the neighbors in the neighborhood don't quite understand. The children that live on this street are fascinated by Miss tizzy and partake in a series of adventures and activities everyday.. until something unexpected happens...
One of the things i appreciate so much about this book is how well is portrays the innocence of children. though their parents didn't know how to interact with Miss Tizzy, the children loved her and were entertained by her simply because of who she was.
This would be a GREAT book to have in the classroom to teach your students about all types of diversity.
One of the things i appreciate so much about this book is how well is portrays the innocence of children. though their parents didn't know how to interact with Miss Tizzy, the children loved her and were entertained by her simply because of who she was.
This would be a GREAT book to have in the classroom to teach your students about all types of diversity.
January 30, 2018
Miss Tizzy is a kind women who enjoys spending time with her neighbor kids. They play dress up, bake cookies, sing, paint pictures, and even skate. Until one day Miss Tizzy gets sick. She no longer plays with the kids outside and stays in her bed. The young children know just what to do to make Miss TIzzy happy. They sing songs, paint pictures, and bake cookies for her.
This book is so sweet. It teaches the love and respect that kids have for their older friend Miss Tizzy.
I would use this in the classroom to talk about kindness.
This book is so sweet. It teaches the love and respect that kids have for their older friend Miss Tizzy.
I would use this in the classroom to talk about kindness.
April 3, 2023
Saints, sages, and true teachers do live among us, although not always acknowledged as such by "the grownups."
To children, and others with pure hearts, the truth of a person's actions shines out.
Some even know this important fact: Ultimately, spirituality is caught, not taught.
What an inspiring book about serving others, helping them to grow, and giving back to one's teacher.
Thank you, author Libba Moore Gray. Thank you illustrator Jada Rowland. Sweet!!
To children, and others with pure hearts, the truth of a person's actions shines out.
Some even know this important fact: Ultimately, spirituality is caught, not taught.
What an inspiring book about serving others, helping them to grow, and giving back to one's teacher.
Thank you, author Libba Moore Gray. Thank you illustrator Jada Rowland. Sweet!!
January 23, 2017
Cute story of a beloved grandmother figure and her adventures with a group of visibly diverse kids. The ending is a little unsettling for me, as there isn't really a conclusion. Also, the characters are visibly of different races, but nothing else distinguishes them culturally.
Generally, it was fine. Nothing special for me.
Generally, it was fine. Nothing special for me.
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April 20, 2020This book is for beginning/Intermediate readers. This is a great read aloud because of the message about friendships and building relationships along with the nice illustrations the book has. This story is about an old lady he brings the neighborhood together and builds life time bonds. When Miss Tizzy isn't feel well the kids come to her and make he feel loved and happy.
May 13, 2019
I rediscovered this at a used bookstore while stocking up on books for my friends with (or about to have) babies. This was definitely read to be as a child, and when I saw the cover I immediately recognized it.
It’s fine. Nothing really special. Very 90’s illustrations.
It’s fine. Nothing really special. Very 90’s illustrations.
March 22, 2018
this is a sad book to read. its one you would save for a child that has a death in the family.
May 22, 2019
A sweet book. I read it because of the puppets, which are only included in a few pages, but it was still really nice (and I loved Hiram the cat.)
November 29, 2025
Very good story. I wonder what the kids’ parents thought. We get a glimpse from distant adults in the background.
April 14, 2013
Characteristics of Cultural Relevance:
1. Miss Tizzy as the main character is well developed and has both strength and vulnerability that make her relatable.
2. When Miss Tizzy becomes ill the characters problem solve what this means for their interactions and friendships, this could be strengthened but does offer the opportunity for questions which could move up and down the inquiry ladder
3. The language is very descriptive drawing the reader with full sensory descriptions of smells, sounds, and sights.
4. Although the role of Miss Tizzy as a family child care provider was never stated, this is assumed and very relatable to children in similar care settings.
5. Diversity is never directly addressed, but the vivid illustrations show children of diverse race, exploring a-typical gender roles, and of various ability levels (i.e. a child with glasses and another child with hearing aids are included without explanation or highlight as part of the whole group)
Role in my inquiry
1. When working to compile a list of books that relate to culture of children in my area, this piece stands out for the familiar appearance of landscape and care setting of the illustrations and the problems.
1. Miss Tizzy as the main character is well developed and has both strength and vulnerability that make her relatable.
2. When Miss Tizzy becomes ill the characters problem solve what this means for their interactions and friendships, this could be strengthened but does offer the opportunity for questions which could move up and down the inquiry ladder
3. The language is very descriptive drawing the reader with full sensory descriptions of smells, sounds, and sights.
4. Although the role of Miss Tizzy as a family child care provider was never stated, this is assumed and very relatable to children in similar care settings.
5. Diversity is never directly addressed, but the vivid illustrations show children of diverse race, exploring a-typical gender roles, and of various ability levels (i.e. a child with glasses and another child with hearing aids are included without explanation or highlight as part of the whole group)
Role in my inquiry
1. When working to compile a list of books that relate to culture of children in my area, this piece stands out for the familiar appearance of landscape and care setting of the illustrations and the problems.
July 22, 2012
What a sweet book. This took me back in time. A time when there was a Miss Tizzy in neighborhoods all around. A time when children respected older adults. A time when children played outside and made their own toys. My how things have changed. So many children don’t respect older adults; most don’t respect their own parents. Now children are in the house, glued to a television, computer, cell phone, or video game. They think all toys come from a store.
I love how the very “gifts” Miss Tizzy gave the children were given back to her. She helped them make cookies, and in her time of need they made cookies for her. All of the experiences she brought to their lives they were able to bring to her. As she lay there in her bed listening to the children singing, this was her “full circle” moment.
The illustrations were also amazing and added to the fun of the book. It brought the colorfulness of her character (and the fun the children had) to life. They loved Miss Tizzy and I loved this book!
I love how the very “gifts” Miss Tizzy gave the children were given back to her. She helped them make cookies, and in her time of need they made cookies for her. All of the experiences she brought to their lives they were able to bring to her. As she lay there in her bed listening to the children singing, this was her “full circle” moment.
The illustrations were also amazing and added to the fun of the book. It brought the colorfulness of her character (and the fun the children had) to life. They loved Miss Tizzy and I loved this book!
April 17, 2012
• Accuracy of Characters and Culture – stereotype of gender, race, age and culture are avoided
• Gorgeous full page watercolor illustrations help to capture the heart of the story
• Diversity of Characterization – there are multiple ages, races and genders portrayed in this book, ranging from an elderly woman all the way down to young children
• Diversity of Setting – at the beginning you see the neighborhood street as a whole, then Miss Tizzy’s house, her garden, a town street, visiting other houses in the neighborhood, the backyard, and even the inside of Miss Tizzy’s house from the outside looking in. We also see diversity in the time of day and weather depicted, including sun, rain, day and evening.
• Gorgeous full page watercolor illustrations help to capture the heart of the story
• Diversity of Characterization – there are multiple ages, races and genders portrayed in this book, ranging from an elderly woman all the way down to young children
• Diversity of Setting – at the beginning you see the neighborhood street as a whole, then Miss Tizzy’s house, her garden, a town street, visiting other houses in the neighborhood, the backyard, and even the inside of Miss Tizzy’s house from the outside looking in. We also see diversity in the time of day and weather depicted, including sun, rain, day and evening.
June 17, 2011
Beautiful story about a woman who spends her days with the neighborhood children. Each day they do something fun, like roller skating or baking cookies. When Miss Tizzy becomes ill, the children show their appreciation every day for a week.
Read aloud to students in school library, some asked if Miss Tizzy had died. While the book does not explicitly say this, it is reasonable to see why they would ask.
Read aloud to students in school library, some asked if Miss Tizzy had died. While the book does not explicitly say this, it is reasonable to see why they would ask.
November 15, 2016
Miss Tizzy is a classic!! She's so fun, and the kids in the story love her so much. She's very much her own woman, and that makes her so unique, and the children love her that much. I enjoy this story so much because it lets children see that it's okay to be different and march to the beat of your own drum. Even when Miss Tizzy gets sick, the children take care of her the way she has taken care of them.
December 9, 2016
Miss Tizzy, by Libba Moore Gray is a book about a older lady named Miss Tizzy that spent a lot of time with the children in the neighborhood showing them that she cares for them which builds up their self-confidence. She also displayed a positive, respectful environment between kids and adults. . This book can be used to teach your students about how to be respectful to adults especially older people. and also how important it is to be caring to other and have a positive attitude.
September 12, 2013
The neighbors may think Miss Tizzy quite peculiar, but the children love her. They love her colorful house and her colorful clothes, but most of all they love the special attention she pays to them all. Together, they bake cookies, make pictures full of sunshine and butterflies for folks who have stopped smiling, play dress-up, put on puppet shows and parades, or stretch o...more
September 22, 2008
we read this in kindergarten...for some reason it has stuck with me!
October 18, 2010
We read this in DAP Practicum. It taught us about creating a caring community and helping children to have routines and be confident.
January 30, 2014
Cute fun and what I bet a lot of kids wish adults would be like. She joins in and leads their games. In the end they serve her in ways she taught them to show love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews