Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem

by Alice Reeves, Phoebe Kirk (Illustrations)

Molly is a mole with many friends, including a deer, a butterfly, and an owl. Sometimes Molly feels sad because she doesn't look the same as her friends, and feels very different to them. By helping each of them out with a task, Molly learns that her friends love her for the amazing qualities that are unique just to her. Molly the Mole addresses the difference between the way we perceive ourselves and the way our friends and family perceive us. Molly learns the importance of being kind and patient with others, and that everyone is unique.


Part of the Truth and Tails series, which aims to eliminate prejudices and encourage acceptance in young children aged 4-8, this delightful story is accompanied by hand-drawn, watercolour illustrations.

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2018

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Truth and Tails series, specifically regarding Self-Esteem. Molly is feeling sad because she is comparing herself to her friends. She does not think she measures up in various areas. Through helping her friends with different things, they help to show her that she has other traits and qualities that make her special too. The lesson of being yourself and feeling good about it is one important message, but also accepting each other for who they are and for whatever their talents and skills might be. The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. A good addition to a primary class to help develop values and positive character. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be an example of helping a child to build self esteem. When they worry that they don’t look a certain way, or feel a certain way, pointing out what talents they possess. The story works, but I won't lie, I don't like the illustrations. It's probably more the color than the illustrations themselves. They seem like child art instead of professional art.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. The story is great and I really liked it. Molly the Mile needs a boost as she is down as she doesn't have the same traits as the other animals she meets, but after talking to them she realises her own personal qualities and things that she has and can do that make her special. 4 stars from me - a lovely book to show to young school children.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's book promotes a message of acceptance by supporting diversity of all animal qualities.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly the Mole is a great friend to her woodland friends, Daisy the Deer, Belinda the Butterfly, and Owen the Owl. Like many good friends, Molly helps her friends in their times of need, like when Daisy gets her hoof stuck and Owen needs help studying for a test. One day, Molly feels sad because of how different she is from her friends. She compares herself to her friends and wishes she looked like them or was as smart as they were. Her friends help her realize that she is different, but it was because of those differences she was able to help them in their times of need. Her friends helped her realize that her kindness, patience, and helpfulness are traits that make Molly a special friend.
"Molly the Mole" is part of the "Truth and Tails" series by Alice Reeves and is a wonderful story to help children boost their self-esteem and teaches children that while we are all different, these differences are special and make us who we are. One thing I really liked about this book was the fact that there are circle time suggestions and discussion questions to help teachers guide a discussion about self-esteem around the reading of this book. This would be a great resource for any classroom!
Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication in exchange for an honest review!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that “Molly the Mole” will be useful for children’s counselors. The characters are good examples of positive friendships.

[Annie Mondesir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Reeves does it again with Molly the Mole. I love the way she delivers her messages. This story of Molly will help build confidence in any child reading this story. I love the illustrations. Grab this for your child’s book shelf or your students.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem by Alice Reeves is part of the Truth and Tails series, specifically regarding Self-Esteem. Molly is feeling sad because she is comparing herself to her friends. She does not think she measures up in various areas. Through helping her friends with different things, they help to show her that she has other traits and qualities that make her special too. The lesson of being yourself and feeling good about it is one important message, but also accepting each other for who they are and for whatever their talents and skills might be.

The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.

I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.