Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Sometimes you come across a piece of children’s fiction that can apply to any age, really. It may be a piece that simply rings true of life, or that inspires you with its simplicity or its art. Patty Lovell’s Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is one such picture book. It’s a book about loving yourself no matter who you are and not letting the bullies get you down—a timely message if there ever was one. 83 reviews rate the book as positive on Amazon.com with little, if any, bad remarks, so I am guessing that many others hold its universal message dear in their hearts as well.
Molly Lou Melon is a very petite girl. She is absolutely adorable, reminding you immediately of one of Dr. Seuss’s “Whos.” After moving to a new school, she is made fun of for everything from her small stature to her bucked teeth to her squeaky voice. But every time she is bullied, Molly Lou doesn’t cry or back down. She affably takes everything in stride, reacting with grace, humor, and friendliness. By the end of the book, the class bully feels very foolish for even attempting to bully this little spitfire, and he makes a gesture to become her friend.
On the last page of the book, it is revealed that Molly Lou’s grandmother was a very short, spunky lady, too. When Molly Lou had to move, her grandmother had reminded her that if she smiled big, the world would smile, too—right alongside her. Molly Lou writes her a letter at the end of the book telling her that she was right.
It’s such a wonderful book that meets violence and meanness with playfulness and friendship. The only sad thing about it is that I know from personal experience that such a reaction isn’t always possible. I have had bullies treat me badly even when I extended the arm of friendship, offered to help with schoolwork, or otherwise reached out and I always blamed myself. Sometimes you just have to walk away and know that it’s their problem, not yours.
But Molly Lou and her grandmother are also right. Positive thinking and smiling through the good times and the bad are good advice, no matter what! My little girl absolutely loves this book—particularly the character of Molly Lou—and I would heartily recommend it to anyone else, with kids or without.

