Synopses & Reviews
"Leave it to Molly to transform all her 'faults' into marvelous talents.. . . #Catrow's# pictures fill the pages with wild perspectives, goofy-looking kids, and hilarious details. . . . Leaves readers with the feeling that anything can be accomplished if you are the best person you can be and make the most of your gifts." (
Kirkus Reviews)
"What keeps the storytelling fresh is the crisp prose and the heroine's full-spead-ahead determination. . . . Catrow's full-bleed pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, awash in ripe colors and animated by slapstick exaggeration, radiate a winningly eccentric elegance." (Publishers Weekly)
"The text is fast and funny, and Molly Lou is a fetching little heroine. Catrow's palette is intense. . . . This will make a comic readaloud." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)
Review
Praise for The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade: “This effective rhyming book by kiddie-rock star Roberts takes on the subjects of bullying, teasing, and excluding others… This is a serious topic given serious treatment, and it should be ideal for initiating discussions.”—Booklist
Review
"A powerful, much-needed argument for the virtues of civility . . . a nearly perfect parable about being true to oneself in a rough-and-tumble world."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Understated and sunny itself, this picture book subtly prescribes behavior for situations dire and everyday. So, um, well, will you give it a read...please?"
and#8212;Kirkus, starred review
"Mary, with her wavy blond hair and rosy pink cheeks, is an endearing character who learns when to speak up for herself."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"Bridges' text employs a gentle rhythm and spare language to create a real story out of its underlying theme: being polite and assertive are both important."
and#8212;Booklist
"Sometimes you just have to tell people what you want. And what this smart, affecting and original story wants is some well-deserved attention."
and#8212;The New York Times Online
"This would be a fine picture book for a young girl whose good manners could use tweaking."
and#8212;The Wall Street Journal
"This gently paced tale shows children there's room for both courtesy and confidence."
and#8212;Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness, starred review
"[Mary] is endearing in her shy sweetness."
and#8212;The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
Be yourself like Molly Lou Melon no matter what a bully may do.
Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn't mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart.
But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.
"
Synopsis
Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade.
But Sally notices everythingfrom the twenty-seven keys on the janitors ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.
Grammy-nominated childrens musician Justin Roberts, together with vibrant artwork from award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, will have readers cheering for young Sally McCabe.
Synopsis
Thereand#8217;s a difference between being polite and being a pushover!
Synopsis
Mary Wrightly is the best-behaved little girl around. She always politely says please and thank you and even and#8220;Iand#8217;m sorryand#8221; when something isnand#8217;t her fault. But when a shopper comes between Mary and the blue elephant toy she wants to buy for her beloved baby brother, will Mary just let the woman walk away with it? Speak up, Mary! Monescilloand#8217;s charming illustrations capture the spirit of this gentle look at how asserting oneself is not rude, and even occasionally out-and-out necessary.
About the Author
Grammy-nominated
Justin Roberts is an all-star of the family music scene. Hailed by the
New York Times as the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” he logs thousands of miles on the road each year, dishing out unexpectedly intelligent and fun rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin lives in Illinois. Visit Justin at www.justinrobertsmusic.com.
Christian Robinson is an illustrator of picture books living and working in San Francisco. He studied at the California Institute of the Arts. He has worked with Pixar Animation Studios, The Sesame Street Workshop, and Jib Jab. Visit Christian at www.theartoffun.com.