I'll third (or fourth) Rob's sage advice. I started with a cherry red Tasco 50mm refractor. It got me hooked, completely. I kept it for about 20 years before I foolishly sold it to help afford a dobsonian 8". I only recently found nother Tasco 50mm refrctor, only Meade branded, second hand here, and I bought it for nostalgia's sake. It is a DAMNED fine little refractor - I was once told these early Tasco's made in Japan were actually Takahashi "seconds" - maybe, maybe all bunk.
So, I have cleaned up that 50mm, repainted it- PURPLE - and my 4 year old daughter comes outside with Daddy until 7pm (not much time I know
) and looks up. She loves it already.