Molly Morningstar: A Doll for Me
#1 of 3 in Molly Morningstar Series
What’s inside...
Molly Morningstar is a spunky, problem-solving girl who needs a doll for an important party, but can't find one that resembles her. After searching everywhere and finding that all the dolls look the same, Molly refuses to settle and finds a solution to her problem herself. This story supports the importance of diversity in toys and encourages children to see themselves represented in books, toys, and dolls.
Discussion points
What did Molly learn about friendship when she got her new doll?
Why do you think sharing was important in the story?
How do you think Molly felt when she helped her friends?
Can you think of a time when you shared something special, like Molly did?
What would you do if you were in Molly's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, encourage your child to relate personal experiences similar to Molly's, helping to deepen their understanding of the story's themes.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights, fostering a positive conversation environment.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage them to think more deeply about the story and its implications.
End your discussion by asking your child if they would like a friend like Molly, which can segue into a conversation about qualities they value in friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, Molly learns to understand and empathize with her friends' feelings when they play with different dolls, which teaches her to appreciate the diverse choices and perspectives of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect the differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: Molly and her friends share their dolls and play together, demonstrating the importance and benefits of cooperation and sharing in friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in real-life scenarios where children can practice sharing their toys or belongings, helping them develop better social skills and strengthening their friendships.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story showcases Molly and her friends using their dolls to create imaginative worlds, emphasizing the role of creativity in enhancing cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in creative play which can enhance their imaginative capabilities and help them become innovative thinkers in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Molly takes care of her doll and learns the importance of being responsible for her own belongings, an attribute that is subtly imparted through her interactions in the story.
Real-World Application: This can manifest in children taking better care of their possessions and understanding the importance of responsibility in personal and shared settings.