Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon

By (author) Lovell Patty; Illustrated by Catrow, David
Short description/annotation:
The beloved modern classic character, Molly Lou Melon, is tackling the timely topic of speaking up for yourself and others.
Description:
Molly Lou Melon’s mother taught her to use her big voice for good - to speak up for what’s right, for those who can’t, and even when it’s hard. So she does. When school starts and a bully begins teasing everyone, including a new student, Molly Lou knows just what to do. From standing up for a friend to admitting when you’ve made a mistake, Molly Lou shows us how speaking up is always the right choice.
Review quote:
“Molly Lou enthusiastically embraces her mother’s instructions to be true to herself, take responsibility, and accept people for who they are along with all their differences. . . While standing up to bullies is nothing new for the perpetually self-confident protagonist, the whimsical approach paired with Catrow’s familiar signature ink and watercolor caricatures make this an easily digestible lesson in ­making good choices and speaking up.” –School Library Journal

"Molly Lou Melon uses her voice to stand up for a new friend 19 years after she learned to stand up for herself . . . Lovell’s text places this strong protagonist at the centers of a loving family and friend group, making her a role model for readers, with her fearless standing up and speaking out.. .  An encouraging message in a quirky package." - Kirkus Reviews
Biographical note:
Patty Lovell taught kindergarten for 14 years and recently moved to first grade. She lives in Glen Cove, New York.

David Catrow is the illustrator of many picture books, including Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon and its sequel, Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, written by Patty Lovell; I Wanna Iguana and its two companion books, I Wanna New Room and I Wanna Go Home, written by Karen Kaufman Orloff; Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel; The Middle Child Blues by Kristyn Crow; and We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Deborah.