A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 98

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon

Author: Patty Lovell

Illustrator: David Catrow

Summary: In Molly Lou Melon’s continuing story, we get to see how her grandmother’s childhood of no store-bought toys greatly influences Molly Lou’s play. Her supreme confidence was the subject of PBT Dynamic Duo #1 offered yesterday. This book emphasizes Molly Lou’s extraordinary creativity. Using whatever is at hand and a huge imagination, she transforms all her play environments. Even when her new neighbor, Gertie, invites Molly Lou to play with store-bought toys or watch TV, Molly Lou chooses her homemade, imaginative ways to play instead.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a timely book for adults in homes, churches, and schools who are concerned about the passive quality of children’s play. If your desire is to help your children tap into their God-given imaginations and talents, then little Molly Lou may be your new hero and hopefully inspiration for your kids.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Putnam, 2012

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Amateur videos on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abundance/bounty, acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, art, authenticity, beauty, confidence, conformity, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, discovery/invention, encouragement, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, freedom, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness, grandparents, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, leadership/servant leadership, neighbors, play, possessions, satisfaction, transformation, wonder

Scripture Connections: Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2); For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson for children on the idea of being made in God’s image, joyfully creative and productive.