Maisy the Mouse and Friends Bring Gentle Messages to TV

“Maisy” fans, take note: The sweet little mouse in the red T-shirt now has her own TV show.

Nickelodeon’s new Nick Jr. preschooler series, “Maisy,” is a delightfully rendered animated version of the pop-up, flap and tab-pull books so dear to the hearts of countless pint-size fans and their parents.

British author-illustrator Lucy Cousins’ books are faithfully transferred to the screen, from her solid crayon box colors in thick black outline and the simplicity of the story themes--”Bedtime,” “Balloons,” “Farm,” “Ball”--to the quiet charm of her characters.

It’s clear that Cousins, who serves as the series’ consultant, has kept a protective eye on her creation. The cartoon Maisy is true to her gentle, free-spirited self as she approaches a little child’s everyday activities with her buddies Charley the good-natured crocodile; Tallulah, a bubbly chick; cautious Cyril the squirrel; and Eddie, a happy little elephant.

In the simple stories--there are four per each 30-minute episode--the friends splash in a wading pool, ride a tricycle, go to a costume party and build a sandcastle; Maisy plays ball with a dolphin, works on a farm and sails her boat. The messages that come through are about caring and cooperation.

As in the books, the characters don’t speak. Instead, they are given a whimsical range of vocal expressions thanks to David Collins and Shane Dundas, a pair of award-winning comic actors from Down Under known as the Umbilicals. Narrator Brian Greene observes the action for viewers in the comfortable, mellow tones of a favorite storybook reader.

* “Maisy,” Nickelodeon, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. TV-Y (appropriate for all children).