The finest most flexible mesh produces results which mimic the finnest needlepoint and counted cross stitch. This is the most versatile stuff on the planet and there is just about nothing I have not made out of it at one time or another.

i've never attempted to do plastic canvas.

Really?! Ever done needlepoint? It would be a good time to introduce the fine art to your daughter...she can go from easy and fast stuff to difficult and painstaking art in a reasonably short length of time while making usable things. There are loads of good booklets with instructions at any crafts store.

have done needlepoint and have introduced her to it but she wasn't interested. so we'll wait a month or so and reintroduce.

Try her out on plastic canvas - it is so much easier to manage with little hands and short patiences. Then move her to finer and finer mesh till she is ready for canvas.

that's what we tried. she didn't understand the angle thing and wanted to take the yarn all over the place. so will find a plain square piece and my leftover yarn and let her have at it.

Yup! You might have to teach her up and down stitches separately so she does not warp the fabric, too - Plastic canvas will allow you to get away with bad habits which can really mess you up when you "graduate" to canvas.