Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon written by Patty Lovell & illustrated by David Catrow
Putnam Juvenile, 2001
Fiction; 32 pgs
A young girl gets the chance to put her grandmother's advice to the test when she moves to a new neighborhood and school in Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Molly Lou is faced with a bully in her new school, only inspiring Molly Lou to rise above and be true to herself.
Mouse and I both absolutely adored this book, which has become a favorite we re-read often. Mouse especially likes the colorful artwork and thinks Molly Lou would make a fun friend. I have to agree. There are many ways to stand up for ourselves, and we like Molly Lou's style. She's creative and smart, not to mention has a wise grandmother. If you have a young one and are looking for a book about having confidence in oneself and celebrating our differences, I highly recommend you give this one a try.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press, 2014
Fiction; 32 pgs
Admittedly the first time Mouse and I read this one, she wasn't quite as excited about it as I was. Now that she's a little older, she appreciates and likes it a lot more. While Mouse may not collect various parts to put together a spectacular invention, she does like to collect bits and pieces here and there to create artful masterpieces.
In The Most Magnificent Thing, we see a girl turn an idea into a reality. She has a vision and a plan. Through the text and the artwork, we go through a variety of emotions with the girl, from excitement to doubt, to frustration, to almost wanting to give up. And yet, she doesn't.
Ashley Spires uses her artwork to touch on topics such as creativity, perseverance, and that making mistakes are okay--a natural part of the process. When reading this book, Mouse and I have discussed how the girl's experiences have mirrored our own at different times, each of us giving examples. It's often a book I break out or refer to when Mouse is feeling especially down on herself and her ability to do or complete something she is working on. I also like that this book goes through the various emotions the girl feels. It's very real to life, something my daughter can relate to--and me as well. The Most Magnificent Thing is now a book my daughter enjoys quite a bit, and it has become a a household favorite.
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I just cannot with the cuteness of the cover for Stand Tall <3 AW! And it comes with an important message to boot-- I can appreciate that!
ReplyDeleteVerushka - I love the artwork in Stand Tall too. :-)
DeleteI like the covers for both books, and they both sound interesting. It is nice to see that The Most Magnificent Thing has become a book that a child can grow into! There are many books that increase in meaning and importance as we gain experience. :)
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I was glad to see her come to appreciate The Most Magnificent Thing. I know she won't always like the same books I do, but it's nice when she does. :-)
DeleteI love the cover on The Most Magnificent Thing! It makes me want to go get the book. I'm glad Mouse is liking it more now. Sometimes even a few months makes such a difference with how they like a book. Stand Tall looks really cute and I like that bullying is tackled in a book aimed that young without getting overwrought. Both sound like great books!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Oh yes! I really liked that about Stand Tall too. I like the way the author handled the bullying topic. I really like both of these books and am glad Mouse does too. :-)
DeleteMolly Lou Melon is adorable and I've always LOVED David Catrow's illustrations. (Mouse has good taste :D ) He's aMAziing! :) And I'm so glad she came to like THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING :) There are a lot of picture books that have been coming out that encourage creativity. LOVE!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteDonna Marie - I don't know if I've run into much of David Catrow's artwork, but I do really like it! I really enjoy the books that do encourage creativity and sticking to a project, mistakes and all in a way that most appeals to various age groups. The Most Magnificent Thing is perfect for Mouse.
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