SPEAK UP, MOLLY LOU MELON

The beloved modern classic character, Molly Lou Melon, is back--tackling the timely topic of speaking up for yourself and others.

Molly Lou Melon is no stranger to being different. With her big hair and big eyes, big teeth and big heart, she's always marched to the beat of her own drum. Her mother said that it's her job 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 Bettina Bonklehead starts teasing, bullying, and being dishonest, Molly Lou is not having it. She finds the perfect ways to speak up each time and proves that's the best way to treat friends (and become a friend).

The beloved classic character is back with an important message to share, and David Catrow's vibrant and spunky illustrations continue to expand Molly Lou's larger-than-life personality.

key selling points:
A CLASSIC CHARACTER: Molly Lou Melon has become a modern classic with her unique look and big voice--she's a favorite strong girl character of A Mighty Girl--and teachers and librarians will be ecstatic to see another tale to add to their collections.
BACKLIST STAR: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, about self-esteem and standing up to a bully, is still selling thousands of copies a year and has been popping up on the top 100 list. Have Fun, Molly Lou Melon, about choosing creative play over gadgets, has sales that are growing year-over-year. She's got true staying power!
SPEAKING UP IS IMPORTANT: We know that parents want to raise good, kind kids, and Molly Lou shows that using your voice to help others is one of the kindest things a person can do.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: Molly Lou's mom emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your own actions (good or bad), and Molly Lou proves that even if it means getting in trouble, telling the truth is always the right thing to do.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL GOLD: Molly Lou's bold way of standing up for others, admitting when she's done something wrong, and her belief that everyone--even a bully--has the potential to be a good friend if they try are perfect discussion points for the beginning of a new school year.
DOLLYWOOD FAVORITE: Dollywood continues to be a massive supporter of Molly Lou and her adventures, even featuring her in a play version of Stand Tall that ran twice a day at the theme park all summer long!

Patty Lovell has taught kindergarten and first grade for almost thirty years. She lives in Glen Cove, New York, with her dog, Lucy.
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; and We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Deborah.