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Paisley
Paisley has been sitting on the shelf at Big & Little Toys too long. He’s seen other animals come and go, but somehow he’s never found his perfect match. And so, taking matters into his own hands, Paisley sets off on a quest to find the special someone he knows is out there for him. He braves many perils in his search, but his intrepid determination is rewarded when he finds the girl of his dreams at last.
Well, that’s the way Paisley tells the story. Maggie Smith’s wonderfully warm and touchable pictures tell a different tale. In truth, Paisley is mistakenly thrown away, tossed about, and then left in the lost and found at Lolly’s Laundry, where a curious little girl happily discovers him.
But when Pearl and Paisley get together, it doesn’t matter who found who—they are a perfect match.
Children will laugh at Paisley’s almost-true telling of his tale and will readily understand his need to feel like he’s in control. Sure to melt your heart, this is a love story that celebrates the power of a positive outlook.
Well, that’s the way Paisley tells the story. Maggie Smith’s wonderfully warm and touchable pictures tell a different tale. In truth, Paisley is mistakenly thrown away, tossed about, and then left in the lost and found at Lolly’s Laundry, where a curious little girl happily discovers him.
But when Pearl and Paisley get together, it doesn’t matter who found who—they are a perfect match.
Children will laugh at Paisley’s almost-true telling of his tale and will readily understand his need to feel like he’s in control. Sure to melt your heart, this is a love story that celebrates the power of a positive outlook.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2004
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 30, 2012
This is a sweet tale of an elephant in a toy shop who is determined to find her Perfect Match. We just read The Story of Holly and Ivy and that story had a similar theme, with the reader seeing the doll's perspective, longing for a little girl's love.
This is a much shorter tale and the illustrations are quite busy with lots of colors and patterns. I can see younger children wanting to spend some time matching up the coordinating fabrics and colors of the children with their toys - even I was fascinated by the swirls of color and different designs. I thought back to my early childhood in the 70s, when such a mix of color and patterns was much more in fashion.
Paisley goes on an adventure that is entertaining and humorous. Throughout the story, the variety of patterns and designs continues and the illustrations have a lot of small details that are easy to miss on the first reading (like the car with the license plate that says 'UH-OH.') Overall, it's a fun story to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together.
This is a much shorter tale and the illustrations are quite busy with lots of colors and patterns. I can see younger children wanting to spend some time matching up the coordinating fabrics and colors of the children with their toys - even I was fascinated by the swirls of color and different designs. I thought back to my early childhood in the 70s, when such a mix of color and patterns was much more in fashion.
Paisley goes on an adventure that is entertaining and humorous. Throughout the story, the variety of patterns and designs continues and the illustrations have a lot of small details that are easy to miss on the first reading (like the car with the license plate that says 'UH-OH.') Overall, it's a fun story to read aloud and we really enjoyed reading it together.
November 3, 2018
"Paisley" by Maggie Smith portrays a young elephant as he embarks on a mission to find his perfect match. He has been sitting on the shelf at Big n' Little Toys for too long and wants to find someone who will love and appreciate him. I thought it was funny that the license plate of a car in the book was "Uh-Oh" and this was spot on since in this particular scene in the book, Paisley was being thrown in the air after he endured rough handling at the hands of the stock boy. I enjoyed seeing the details in each illustration. The book ends on a happy note since Paisley found his perfect match, Pearl.
February 8, 2018
A bit long but cute art.
October 1, 2018
Paisley the elephant is very cute, but this is basically the Corduroy story....
January 26, 2020
Very sweet story. The illustrations are what really make this come to life.
November 25, 2020
Adorrrrable!
March 16, 2021
A paisley stuffed elephant is neglected in a shop, so it sets out to find an owner!
June 30, 2021
Paisley the stuffed elephant has quite an adventure while on his way to finding his forever home.
October 26, 2021
Cute picture book of a stuffy finding their forever home.
August 8, 2023
Cute story! I especially enjoyed Maggie Smith's illustrations. She is the illustrator as well as the author.
February 21, 2009
toy stuffed elephant despaired until adventures carry him to his owner. dog scene a bit scary.
December 23, 2014
Adorable book with bright illustrations detailing the long journey of a paisely patterned elephant who just wants to find his perfect match.
June 19, 2014
touching and warm, but not in a creepy way
November 12, 2016
Super cute and far more clever wordplay than I expected. Great patterns and colors catch the eye.
September 22, 2009
Adorable book about a toy elephant looking for the right home.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews